Pope Francis’ funeral over the weekend was a moment of global mourning, marked not only by the love he inspired but also by the presence — and attire — of powerful figures from around the world.
Among the more than 200,000 people gathered at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on April 26 was former President Donald Trump, accompanied by former First Lady Melania Trump. However, Donald Trump’s appearance quickly stirred controversy online, with many accusing him of being disrespectful.
While Melania Trump wore a custom all-black ensemble by Dolce & Gabbana — complete with a silk georgette mantilla, lace gloves, a double-breasted wool coat, and pointed stiletto pumps — Donald Trump opted for a blue suit and matching blue tie. His attire, in stark contrast to the traditional black worn by most mourners, sparked immediate backlash.
Critics took to social media to voice their displeasure. One onlooker remarked, “In a blue suit. The disrespect is incredible,” while another questioned, “Why is he wearing blue at a funeral?” A third exclaimed simply, “Trump wore the wrong suit!!”
Further criticism poured in: “Couldn’t find an appropriate black suit,” one person wrote. Another incredulously noted, “A blue suit and blue tie. At a funeral? At the POPE’S funeral? Wow.” Others called his choice “wilful disrespect,” suggesting he wore the same suit he traveled in, ignoring long-established funeral protocols.
One commenter summed up the mood by writing, “Trump looks pathetically underdressed — he thinks funeral protocol does not apply to him. His wife, however, is appropriately dressed.”
Whether Trump’s choice was an intentional statement or an oversight remains unclear. However, amid an event defined by solemnity and tradition, his decision to forgo customary black attire clearly struck the wrong chord with many observers.
Donald and Melania walk into St. Peter’s Square, accompanied by a Catholic priest. While the priest is dressed in a black robe, as is Melania in her outfit, Donald’s blue suit stands out in stark contrast, drawing attention amidst the sea of dark attire.
Donald and Melania stand side by side during the funeral, their expressions a mix of reverence and quiet reflection, a silent tribute to Pope Francis.
As Donald and Melania stand among world leaders, their presence is heightened by Donald’s blue suit, which stands out starkly against the sea of black and gray worn by figures like France’s President Emmanuel Macron and Finland’s President Alexander Stubb.
Donald and Melania sit looking sombre during the funeral, alongside other political and spiritual leaders from around the world who are mourning Pope Francis.
Donald and Estonian President Alar Karis lean forward in quiet conversation during the funeral. Meanwhile, Melania sits calmly, her posture composed as she watches the interaction.
Seated on opposite sides, Finland’s President Alexander Stubb and Donald lean toward each other, engaging in a quiet conversation. The two leaders create a brief moment of connection in the midst of the reflective gathering.
Donald and Melania stand together, talking. Melania wears a subtle smile, her expression soft, as they share a moment of quiet joy amidst the mourning.
At Pope Francis’s funeral, French President Emmanuel Macron places a comforting hand on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s shoulder, offering support amid the ongoing war. With them stand British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Donald, as they talk.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald are seated across from each other, deep in conversation, in what appears to be a hall at the Vatican during Pope Francis’s funeral.
Donald speaks with officials after the funeral ceremony for Pope Francis. The officials, each dressed in black, appear alert and attentive among the large crowd of over 200,000 people,
World leaders, alongside Donald and Melania, look on as Pope Francis’s coffin slowly departs from St. Peter’s Square. Some clap in tribute, others place their hands over their hearts, while a few remain quiet and somber, paying their respects to the late pontiff.
As the coffin slowly departs from St. Peter’s Square, First Lady of France Brigitte Macron, President of France Emmanuel Macron, Melania, Donald, King Felipe, and Queen Letizia of Spain stand in quiet reflection, their faces marked by the weight of the moment as they share in the collective sorrow.
Donald waves to onlookers as he boards Air Force One at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Fiumicino after attending the funeral ceremony of Pope Francis at the Vatican.