Donald Trump not welcome at the Met Gala: why Anna Wintour’s decision still stands
The former president was once a regular on the Met Gala red carpet—but the door has been closed for years
Donald Trump was not invited to the 2025 Met Gala—and hasn’t been welcome for years, according to Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
The Met Gala, often called the “Oscars of Fashion,” took place once again on the first Monday of May in New York City. It’s the night when designers, celebrities, and cultural icons gather at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to celebrate fashion history—and to make headlines with bold, sometimes outrageous looks.
But one name was notably absent again this year: Donald Trump. Despite his fame, wealth, and long-standing ties to New York high society, the former president hasn’t attended the gala in decades. And according to the event’s longtime chairwoman, he never will again.
In 2017, Vogue’s powerful editor-in-chief Anna Wintour told James Corden during an appearance on The Late Late Show that Trump would “never be invited again.” That statement came during Trump’s first term in office and has held firm through the years.
Trump’s past with the Met Gala
Trump once had a close connection to the event. He attended regularly in the 1980s and 1990s with his first two wives, Ivana Trump and Marla Maples. In a memorable 2004 moment, he proposed to Melania Knauss (now Melania Trump) on the way to the gala.
These appearances helped cement his image as a wealthy, influential New Yorker. But over time, things changed—not just for Trump, but for the gala itself.
While Wintour has said that the Met Gala is “not about politics,” it’s clear that politics, culture, and fashion are closely connected. As the gala has become more socially and culturally conscious, the guest list has started reflecting certain values.
This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” celebrated Black designers and how fashion has been used by Black communities to challenge stereotypes and push boundaries. Cultural critic Louis Piscano called the theme “a clear message” about inclusivity and representation.
In that context, some figures known for controversial or conservative views, including Trump, were noticeably absent. Reports also noted that several of Trump’s prominent allies—including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg—were not in attendance either.
Though Wintour hasn’t publicly elaborated on her reasons, many observers believe her decision is about more than politics—it’s about the image the gala wants to project. Trump’s presidency and personal controversies may simply not align with the message the Met Gala wants to send.
While the Met Gala remains an event focused on fashion, it’s also become a stage for wider cultural conversations. Who is invited—and who isn’t—can speak volumes.
Trump’s absence from the Met Gala marks a shift in how events like this operate. It’s not just about fame or fortune anymore—it’s also about fit. And in Wintour’s view, Trump no longer fits the vision of what the Met Gala represents.
As the line between culture, fashion, and politics continues to blur, the guest list becomes a quiet but powerful statement. And this year, that statement seemed loud and clear.
