TJ Madsen is among the founding members of the New Herald Tribune and chairs the editorial board. He worked for national syndicated newspapers in Newark, Philadelphia, and Baltimore before moving to the midwest.
March 30 , 2025
Calhoun, GA - Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) marked the end of Ramadan this week with a traditional Jordanian feast, extending well-wishes to her constituents with the phrase “Eid Mubarak.” The congresswoman’s participation in the Islamic holiday’s culmination, Eid al-Fitr, was met with both praise and criticism, drawing attention to the ongoing discussion about cultural inclusion and political symbolism.
Eid al-Fitr, the Islamic holiday that marks the conclusion of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection, is a time for Muslims to celebrate with family, friends, and the broader community. For many, it is a day of feasts, charity, and joy, and for Greene, it was an opportunity to show support for the Muslim community in her district and beyond.
Greene, known for her controversial rhetoric and political stances, particularly on issues related to immigration and the Muslim community, surprised some by publicly acknowledging the holiday and participating in the traditional festivity. In a post shared on social media, Greene wrote, “Eid Mubarak to all my Muslim friends, constituents, and neighbors. I hope this day brings peace, joy, and prosperity to you all. Wishing you a blessed Eid celebration.”
Along with the message, Greene shared photos of herself at a local Jordanian restaurant, where she partook in a lavish spread of traditional Middle Eastern dishes, including lamb, rice, hummus, tabbouleh, and baklava. The feast, held at a popular spot in Dalton, GA, featured an array of carefully prepared dishes meant to represent the celebratory spirit of the holiday.
The congresswoman's participation in the celebration is seen as an attempt to reach out to the Muslim community and show solidarity. For some, the gesture signals an effort to engage with minority communities and extend goodwill. However, her critics quickly pointed out the seeming contradiction between her participation in the Eid celebration and her past controversial comments regarding Islam and Muslim communities.
In a district where religious diversity is on the rise, especially with growing numbers of Muslim constituents, Greene’s decision to celebrate Eid could be seen as part of a broader effort to appeal to voters outside her traditional conservative base. Eid al-Fitr is an important cultural and religious event for many in the Muslim community, and acknowledging it may help her connect with voters who may feel overlooked by politicians from both major parties.
Greene, in her statement, did not directly address the concerns of her critics, instead focusing on the importance of unity and celebration. “Regardless of our differences, we must celebrate the things that bring us together,” she wrote.
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