Arab American Heritage Month Celebrated Despite White House Website Removal
Arab American communities celebrated heritage month despite Trump administration removing White House recognition, with hundreds gathering in Virginia.
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA — Despite the White House removing references to Arab American Heritage Month from its official website since President Donald Trump began his second term, Arab American communities across the country continued celebrating the ninth annual National Arab American Heritage Month this April.
Former President Joe Biden’s 2024 proclamation recognizing the month now only exists in internet archives. As April nears its close, Trump has ignored what many Arab Americans view as recognition for their contributions to America, according to the Arab America Foundation.
National Commemoration Draws Hundreds
Amal and Warren David, co-founders of the Arab America Foundation, brought together hundreds of Arab American leaders, professionals, artists, and activists at the Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria on April 16 for the national commemoration. The 501(c)(3) organization is dedicated to promoting Arab heritage.
“We want to be joyful. We want to say we stand tall,” Amal David told the couple hundred guests dressed in tuxedos and authentic Arab clothing. “Of course, we feel with our people, but it’s a form of showing resiliency.”
The evening brought together the diversity of the Arab American community, whose members have roots in 22 nations in the Middle East and North Africa that speak Arabic and make up the Arab world.
Growing Community Representation
More than 3 million Arab Americans live in the United States today, with approximately 134,000 of them residing in Virginia, making it the 10th-highest Arab population in the country. The celebration occurred even as the war in the Middle East continues.
The Arab America Foundation organized the event to showcase the resilience and cultural contributions of Arab Americans despite what organizers characterized as a lack of federal recognition under the current administration. The removal of the White House proclamation represents a shift from the previous administration’s approach to celebrating Arab American heritage.
Community Unity Amid Challenges
The Alexandria celebration demonstrated the community’s determination to maintain cultural traditions and recognition regardless of federal acknowledgment. Attendees represented the broad spectrum of Arab American experiences, from recent immigrants to families with generations of American roots.
The event highlighted ongoing efforts by Arab American organizations to promote understanding and appreciation of Arab culture and heritage within the broader American community. Despite political changes at the federal level, local and regional celebrations of Arab American Heritage Month continued throughout April 2026.
The Arab America Foundation’s work continues year-round to support Arab American communities and educate the public about Arab contributions to American society, culture, and economy.
