Donald Trump Defended After Funeral Outfit Criticism as Uncropped Photo Clarifies Dress Code Compliance
Former U.S. President Donald Trump came under fire for his attire at the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, April 26. Critics accused him of breaching the formal dress code for the solemn event. However, newly circulated images and online responses are casting doubt on whether the backlash was justified.
Trump was among a number of global leaders present at the funeral held in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. The high-profile attendees included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Prince William.
At age 78, Trump arrived wearing a blue suit, which sparked criticism from some who argued that he was not adhering to the expected funeral protocol. Reports indicated that male attendees were advised to wear dark suits, black ties, and a black button on the left lapel. By contrast, Melania Trump, a Roman Catholic, complied with traditional mourning customs in a black dress and veil.
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| Users online were convinced that Trump had broken the dress code (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) |
Controversy began shortly after Trump announced his attendance on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Melania and I will be going to the funeral of Pope Francis, in Rome. We look forward to being there!” The post drew attention for its oddly worded phrasing.
After the ceremony, a cropped image showing Trump in his blue suit circulated online, fueling claims that he was the only dignitary not dressed in black. However, when the uncropped version of the photo was shared, it revealed that other leaders—including Prince William and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan—also wore attire that deviated from the strict dress code.
Supporters quickly came to Trump’s defense on social media. “This is for all the idiots complaining about President Trump wearing a blue suit… Prince William, President Erdoğan, et al. They are literally grasping at straws,” one user wrote. Another commented, “I see at least 30 people in non-black attire.”
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| A wider picture revealed that a number of people had also worn blue suits (TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images) |
President Zelenskyy also departed from formal attire, appearing in his now-customary black military uniform—a choice he has maintained throughout Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia.
Despite past tensions between Trump and Pope Francis—particularly over immigration and border policy—Trump’s appearance at the funeral ultimately aligned more closely with many other attendees than his early critics suggested.
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