Donald Trump faced criticism after wearing a blue suit to the Pope’s funeral, with many accusing him of showing no respect.
On April 26, 2023, religious and political leaders from around the world gathered in Vatican City for the funeral of Pope Francis.
This event, significant for many, was marked by traditional customs, including the expectation that attendees would wear black to show mourning and respect.
However, U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in a blue suit, leading to widespread criticism.
The Pope’s funeral and attendees
The funeral was attended by numerous dignitaries, including U.S. First Lady Melania Trump, who wore a black outfit, even though it was her 55th birthday.
Before the service began, Trump had a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which was notably more productive than their previous discussions at the White House.
This dialogue came ahead of a confirmed ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine scheduled for May.
Social media backlash against Trump
Trump’s choice of attire did not go unnoticed. Many users on social media platforms, particularly X, expressed their disapproval.
One user asked, “Any reason why Donald Trump is in a blue suit and not wearing traditional black for a funeral?”
Another commented on BBC News coverage, stating, “Trump is in a blue suit when everyone else is in black. No class.”
A third user remarked, “Why is Trump wearing a blue suit while everyone else is in black? No respect.”
Despite the backlash, a few attendees at the funeral also wore blue suits.
Notably, Prince William and Indian President Droupadi Murmu were among them. This suggests that there may have been reasons beyond personal choice influencing their attire.
Understanding the dress code
At the Pope’s funeral, the expected dress code for men included a dark suit, a black tie, and a button of the same color on the left lapel.
White shirts were permitted as well. While Catholics typically follow strict guidelines for funeral attire, other faiths may not impose the same rules.
Trump, who identifies as a non-denominational Christian, along with Prince William, who belongs to the Church of England, and President Murmu, a Hindu, may have opted for blue as a reflection of their respective beliefs.
Aside from the outfit controversy, Trump was reportedly given a “third-tier seat” at the funeral.
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.