President Obama’s Ramadan Statement Includes Swipe at Donald Trump

U.S. President Barack Obama walks across the South Lawn before boarding Marine One and dep
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

President Obama is sending best wishes to Muslims in a statement about Ramadan, Islam’s holy month of fasting and prayers. But in his statement, Obama took a swipe at presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump without mentioning the real estate mogul by name.

“For many, this month is an opportunity to focus on reflection and spiritual growth, forgiveness, patience and resilience, compassion for those less fortunate, and unity across communities,” Obama wrote in a statement.

“Here in the United States, we are blessed with Muslim communities as diverse as our nation itself. There are those whose heritage can be traced back to the very beginning of our nation, as well as those who have only just arrived,” Obama said, adding that many Muslims are “doctors, lawyers, artists, teachers, scientists, community organizers, public servants, and military members.”

“I stand firmly with Muslim American communities in rejection of the voices that seek to divide us or limit our religious freedoms or civil rights,” Obama said, apparently referencing Trump’s call to stop Muslims from entering the United States until there’s a more rigorous vetting process. “We will continue to welcome immigrants and refugees into our nation, including those who are Muslim.”

COMMENTS

Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting.