Donald Trump faced criticism after wearing a blue suit to the Pope’s funeral, with many accusing him of showing no respect.
A Global Farewell: World Leaders Gather for Pope Francis’ Funeral
On April 26, 2023, Vatican City became the solemn epicenter of the world as religious and political figures from every corner of the globe came together to honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis.
The ceremony, steeped in centuries-old tradition, called for attendees to wear black—a symbol of reverence and mourning. While most observed this protocol, one notable exception stirred controversy: U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in a striking blue suit, drawing sharp criticism from observers and commentators worldwide.
Among the attendees was First Lady Melania Trump, who adhered to tradition with a dignified black ensemble, despite the event coinciding with her 55th birthday.
In a surprising moment of diplomacy, President Trump held a notably constructive conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prior to the service. The exchange marked a shift from their previously tense meetings and came just ahead of a scheduled ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine set to begin in May.
Social Media Backlash Over Trump’s Attire at Pope Francis’ Funeral
President Donald Trump’s decision to wear a blue suit to the funeral of Pope Francis sparked a flurry of criticism across social media. On X (formerly Twitter), users quickly called out what many saw as a breach of etiquette during a solemn and traditional ceremony.
“Any reason why Donald Trump is in a blue suit and not wearing traditional black for a funeral?” one user questioned. Another, referencing BBC News footage, wrote, “Trump is in a blue suit when everyone else is in black. No class.” A third post echoed the sentiment: “Why is Trump wearing a blue suit while everyone else is in black? No respect.”
Despite the outcry, Trump wasn’t entirely alone in his sartorial choice. A handful of dignitaries, including Prince William and Indian President Droupadi Murmu, were also seen in blue attire. Their presence suggests that factors beyond personal preference may have influenced what some leaders chose to wear.
Decoding the Dress Code: Cultural Nuance or Faux Pas?
The funeral of Pope Francis followed traditional Catholic protocols, including a clear dress code for male attendees: dark suits, black ties, and a matching black button on the left lapel. White shirts were acceptable, but the overall tone was expected to be somber and respectful.
While Catholic mourners tend to observe these customs strictly, dress expectations can vary across religious and cultural lines. President Donald Trump, a self-identified non-denominational Christian, may have chosen his blue suit in accordance with his own traditions or personal beliefs. Likewise, Prince William, representing the Church of England, and Indian President Droupadi Murmu, a practicing Hindu, also wore blue, signaling that adherence to Catholic mourning attire may not have been uniformly expected of non-Catholic dignitaries.
Adding to the swirl of commentary was the detail that Trump was reportedly assigned a “third-tier seat” at the funeral—an unusual placement for a former U.S. president and one that sparked further speculation about diplomatic tensions or protocol decisions behind the scenes.
This seating arrangement may have added to the perception that he was not fully embraced at the event, which could explain some of the criticism surrounding his appearance.
Funeral attire often varies by culture and religion. While many cultures adhere to the tradition of wearing black, others have different customs.
For instance, in some cultures, blue can signify peace and respect. The choice of color can also reflect individual beliefs and connections to specific traditions.
