Rumors surrounding Donald Trump’s exclusion from the 2025 Met Gala have reignited questions about Anna Wintour’s long-standing stance.
Social media claims, interviews, and photo records all point to a strained relationship between Trump and the event’s iconic co-chair.
But was he actually banned?
Trump’s alleged ban from the Met Gala sparks debate
In 2017, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour appeared on The Late Late Show with James Corden.
When asked who she would never invite back to the Met Gala, she responded: “Donald Trump.”
The remark, made just a year into Trump’s presidency, triggered applause and speculation.
However, it was never confirmed as a formal ban but heavily implied personal disapproval.
Trump has not attended the Met Gala since 2012 despite past appearances
Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump were once regular guests at the Met Gala.
However, his last confirmed appearance was in 2012, four years before becoming president.
While, Getty Images, a respected photo archive, shows Trump attending from 1985 to 2012.
His early appearances featured Ivana Trump, while Melania joined him starting in 2003.
Between 2013 and 2025, no photo or official record links Trump to any Met Gala attendance.
Rumors about Trump being banned from the 2025 Met Gala
In May 2025, a viral TikTok video by podcast host Dash Dobrofsky claimed Trump was “permanently banned” by Wintour.
A user, who goes by @genzperspectivepod claimed Wintour had permanently banned Trump from attending future Met Galas.
His video received widely shared on Reddit, X, Facebook, Threads, and Bluesky.
@genzperspectivepod Did you know Trump was banned from the Met Gala by Vogue’s editor-in-chief Anna Wintour?
He claimed Trump was welcome during the 90s and 2000s, but became persona non grata after his presidency began.
However, these claims lacked official confirmation from Vogue or the White House.
Additionally, the claim is unconfirmed; all reports about Trump being banned from the 2025 Met Gala remain speculation.
Social media reaction
On social media, many viewers were baffled by rumors about Trump being banned from the 2025 Met Gala. Some believed his political views led to the ban from the world’s biggest fashion event, while others argued that as a U.S. president, not a businessman, the Met Gala isn’t a suitable place for a politician.
One person said: I didn’t fumble I voted for her. I’m part of the 92%.
A second wrote:America fumbled so hard by not putting her in the Oval
While a third commented: if Anna Wintour HERSELF bans him then you gotta know its BAAAD.
Someone else said: watch him sign an “executive order” to allow him to go lol
What it all comes down to , is , she didn’t want a douchebag at her party !!
Another user added.
No official guest list or confirmation of a ban has been released
A Condé Nast spokesperson told Snopes that the company does not discuss Met Gala guest lists publicly.
No public records or statements confirm Trump is officially banned.
Snopes rated the viral claims as “mostly true,” noting that Trump hasn’t been seen at the event since 2012.
Wintour herself curates each year’s guest list, according to her biographer Amy Odell, giving her enormous control over who attends.
Anna Wintour has chaired all but two Met Galas since 1995 and writes the guest list personally, according to her biographer Amy Odell.
Her 2017 public statement hinted at disapproval. Combined with Trump’s decade-long absence, it suggests he’s not welcome—even if not officially banned.
However, Trump is not the only public figure absent from recent Met Galas. Celebrities like Zayn Malik have also opted out.
After attending in 2016 with Gigi Hadid, Malik told GQ he wouldn’t return. He called the event “not something I would go to.”
There’s no formal proof that Donald Trump is banned from the Met Gala. However, Anna Wintour’s 2017 comment, his long absence, and Vogue’s silence suggest a deliberate exclusion.
Whether it’s a silent snub or unspoken policy, the 2025 Met Gala guest list did not include Trump — and likely won’t anytime soon.