The White House released an official Eid Al Fitr messages from U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on Friday.
"Melania and I wish Muslims across the United States and around the world a blessed Eid al-Fitr," the statement from Trump said.
"Eid marks the end of a month of reflection and a return to daily life with a renewed sense of joy and love for our fellow man. It is a time to practice forgiveness and an opportunity to strengthen relationships within and among communities," the U.S. president continued.
"Today, as we reflect on the important place religion has in the story of America and in the lives of those who are faithful, we hope that the spirit of peace and goodwill that surrounds and infuses this Eid celebration continues throughout the year and around the world. We wish all Muslims a very happy Eid al Fitr."
Although the message was simple and respectful, many Muslims couldn't help point out Trump's history with Islamophobia and anti-Muslim policies. As a presidential candidate, Trump called for a "complete shutdown" of Muslims entering the U.S. in December of 2015.
After he took office, Trump moved to institute a ban on travelers entering the U.S. from several Muslim-majority countries. Although the executive order faced significant opposition and legal challenges, an altered and watered-down version was eventually approved for enforcement by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The president has also been widely seen as fueling anti-Muslim sentiment in the U.S. with his often divisive comments. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), which is dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry, released a report in 2017 calling 2016, Trump's first year in office, a "banner year for hate" in the U.S. The number of anti-Muslim hate groups tripled, increasing by 197 percent.
Attacks on mosques and other Muslim facilities also increased after Trump's election, as did incidents of Islamophobia at U.S. borders.