Biden’s White House Celebration Boycotted
Nobody respects Biden.
The White House finds itself navigating delicate waters as Muslim leaders express concerns over President Biden’s stance on Israel’s conflict with Hamas, signaling potential reluctance to attend his upcoming Ramadan reception. Reports suggest that due to these concerns, the White House is considering a scaled-down version of the event, possibly limiting invitations to Biden administration officials and ambassadors from Muslim-majority countries.
One Muslim leader, who has previously attended the White House Ramadan receptions, voiced uncertainty about this year’s event, suggesting that many individuals may opt out. Traditionally, these receptions have been significant gatherings, with hundreds of Muslim community leaders convening in the spacious White House East Room to mark Eid al-Fitr, the culmination of Ramadan.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced a virtual celebration in 2021, and now, political dynamics are further influencing the event’s trajectory. Former President Donald Trump’s departure from the long-standing tradition of hosting Ramadan events in 2017 raised eyebrows, though he later resumed them in subsequent years, primarily attended by foreign diplomats.
However, the current apprehension among Muslim leaders regarding President Biden’s policies underscores a shift in sentiment. Salam al-Marayati, President of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, indicated a lack of enthusiasm within the Muslim community for celebrating Ramadan with the Biden administration, citing dissatisfaction over its support for Israel during the Gaza conflict.
This discontent appears to have repercussions beyond ceremonial events. Recent polling data reveals a significant decline in Arab American support for Biden, with only 17.4% expressing intent to vote for him in 2024, a stark contrast to the 59% support he garnered in 2020.
In Michigan, a state with a notable Muslim and Arab American population, tensions came to a head when several elected officials and community leaders refused to meet with Biden campaign representatives earlier this year. The community’s outrage stemmed from perceived inadequacies in the administration’s response to the Gaza conflict, prompting a subsequent visit by White House officials to address concerns.
The ramifications of these tensions were evident in Michigan’s Democratic presidential primary, where over 100,000 voters chose to cast “uncommitted” ballots as a form of protest against the president. These developments underscore the complex interplay between domestic politics, foreign policy, and community relations, shaping the landscape of presidential engagement with diverse constituencies.
