Trump scheduled to host Ramadan dinner this week

U.S. President Donald Trump will host his first ever iftar dinner at the White House next week to commemorate the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, local media reported at the weekend.

The dinner will be held on Wednesday, the political news outlet Politico reported.

Trump was criticised last year after he opted not to host the traditional post-sundown meal. Former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton all held dinners to mark the breaking of the Ramadan fast at the White House.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, and they break their fast each day with a meal known as an iftar.

It was not Trump's first controversial decision related to Muslims. He has come under fire in the past for numerous statements and policies, including a travel ban that prevents citizens from many Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States.

On the campaign trail, Trump called for a "total and complete" ban on Muslims entering the United States. Last month the president released a statement commemorating Ramadan, saying the holiday "reminds us of the richness Muslims add to the religious tapestry of American life."     (AP)