Trump’s bold fashion choice at Pope Francis’ funeral sparks backlash and speculation
The former president wore a bright blue suit while others followed Vatican tradition—was it disrespect or a calculated move?
At Pope Francis’ funeral on April 26, Donald Trump broke with tradition by wearing a bright blue suit, standing out among world leaders dressed in dark, respectful attire. His outfit choice sparked outrage online, but some say it may have held deeper meaning.
The Vatican’s dress code for papal funerals is clear: men should wear dark suits, black ties, and a black button on the lapel, signaling solemnity and respect. Most attendees—including Prince William and President Joe Biden—stuck closely to the rules.
But Donald Trump, wearing a bright blue suit and a light blue tie, stood out sharply from the crowd. His wife, Melania, in contrast, adhered to protocol with a traditional black outfit—even as she celebrated her 55th birthday that day.
The setting was solemn: an open-air funeral held in St. Peter’s Square, mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. The moment called for reverence and unity. Trump’s fashion choice, however, quickly became a lightning rod for controversy.
“He makes everything all about him”
Social media erupted as photos of Trump in blue circulated. Critics accused him of being disrespectful and attention-seeking.
What’s worse?
Zelenskyy not wearing a suit in the Oval Office…
Or Trump, in a heavy drool… wearing a blue suit at the funeral of Pope Francis? pic.twitter.com/cfWeOZ8mLb
— Billy Baldwin (@BillyBaldwin) April 29, 2025
“One guy shows up in a blue suit to the Pope’s funeral. You will never guess who,” tweeted Ron Filipkowski, a former federal prosecutor.
“Can you believe Trump wore a blue suit and was so disrespectful at the Pope’s funeral? He makes everything all about him!” wrote one user.
“Donald Trump couldn’t even be respectful and wear a black suit to Pope Francis’ funeral like the rest of world leaders. He always has to stick out and try and be the center of attention,” another added.
Actor Billy Baldwin pointed out the irony of Trump’s choice, recalling the time Trump criticized Zelenskyy’s wardrobe during a White House meeting:
“What’s worse? Zelenskyy not wearing a suit in the Oval Office…Or Trump, in a heavy drool… wearing a blue suit at the funeral of Pope Francis?”
Not everyone saw the blue suit as disrespect. Some offered alternative interpretations—suggesting it could have been a deliberate statement.
“Every world leader in black. Trump alone in blue. This was not just a funeral. It was a transition of power,” one netizen wrote, attaching a side-by-side photo of Trump against the black-clad crowd.
Another joked:
“Trump should had worn a white suit, just to really make a lasting impression.”
Some observers noted that not all faiths share the Catholic tradition of wearing black to funerals. Trump is a non-denominational Christian, Prince William is Anglican, and Indian President Droupadi Murmu (also in blue) is Hindu. Their attire may reflect cultural differences rather than disrespect.
Whether his blue suit was an act of disrespect or symbolism, Trump once again managed to dominate headlines during a solemn global event. At Pope Francis’ funeral, the world gathered in unity and mourning—but one bold suit turned the spotlight elsewhere.
As the discussion around the outfit choice continues, it raises a larger question: when is breaking tradition a meaningful statement—and when is it just out of place?
