Donald Trump has come under fire for allegedly ignoring the strict dress code during Pope Francis’ funeral at the Vatican, showing up in a mid-blue suit paired with a shiny blue tie.
According to the Vatican’s official guidelines, male attendees were expected to wear dark suits, white shirts, and long black ties, with shoes, socks, coats, and even umbrellas all required to be black.
Trump wasn’t the only world leader whose attire raised eyebrows—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived without a tie, and U.S. President Joe Biden also wore a blue tie. The three leaders faced backlash, accused of being “disrespectful,” while the vast majority of dignitaries honored tradition by dressing entirely in black.
Seated in the front row among hundreds of royals and foreign officials, Trump stood out sharply. His outfit was completed with an American flag pin on his jacket lapel, a detail that did little to soften the criticism.
Typically, dark, somber clothing is worn at such occasions as a mark of respect—a tradition upheld by many attendees, including UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Meanwhile, Melania Trump, marking her 55th birthday, adhered to the traditional guidelines, wearing a classic black coat, lace veil, gloves, and understated black shoes.
St. Peter’s Square was packed with hundreds of thousands of mourners, many of whom had waited through the night for the chance to attend the ceremony. During the service, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re praised the late Pontiff as “a pope of the people” who worked tirelessly for a more compassionate and inclusive Catholic Church. His words were met with emotional applause from the crowd.
The controversy over Trump’s attire follows a recent similar incident: just two months ago, Zelensky was criticized during a White House visit for appearing in military fatigues instead of a suit—reportedly irritating Trump at the time.
Today, Trump’s wardrobe choice didn’t go unnoticed. Onlookers took to social media, with one, Alison Graham, asking: “Why is Trump the only male world leader in a blue suit? Where’s the respect?” Another, identified as Sam, said: “Trump looks completely out of place at a funeral.” A third critic, Madaelene, added: “Couldn’t he find a black suit? Even a darker blue would’ve been better.”
Prince William also faced mild criticism for wearing a dark navy suit; however, he complied with the rules by wearing a black tie.
The Vatican’s official dress code for the event was clear: dark suits for men, a black tie, and a black button on the left lapel, reserved only for Vatican honors. Women were instructed to wear long black dresses, veils, gloves, and modest jewelry, such as a simple strand of pearls.
Melania’s choice of a simple cross necklace and understated accessories followed these customs perfectly, including her black closed-toe pumps.
For clergy, dress expectations were equally strict, with Patriarchs and Cardinals wearing their white damask mitres, and bishops donning traditional garments such as the amice and red stole.
Trump’s choice once again stirred conversation, recalling the tensions sparked when Zelensky’s wartime attire caused an uproar during his visit to Washington in late 2022.
