Donald Trump has been accused of a fashion faux-pas after arriving at Pope Francis’s funeral in a blue suit rather than the required black.
The US president attended the service at St Peter’s Basilica wearing a blue suit and matching blue tie, despite a strict Vatican dress code stipulating men must wear a dark suit, white shirt, and a long black tie. All other accessories — including shoes, socks, coats and umbrellas — were also required to be black.
First Lady Melania Trump, who marked her 55th birthday on the day of the funeral, adhered to tradition by wearing a black coat, an elegant lace veil, black pumps and gloves.
Trump was not the only world leader to overlook the guidelines. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wore a black combat suit with no tie, symbolising his country's ongoing war with Russia, while US former president Joe Biden was also seen wearing a blue tie.
Britain’s Prince William attracted some comment for wearing a dark navy suit and black tie, although this was still within funeral protocol. Other leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, fully complied, wearing black suits and overcoats.
Seated prominently in the front row of international dignitaries, Trump’s bright blue suit and American flag lapel pin drew criticism online, with some X users saying he "stood out like a sore thumb".
One post read: "What is it with Trump that he did not even have the decency to wear a black tie, never mind he wore a blue suit."
Another commented: "Why is Trump wearing a blue suit? Doesn't he even own a black one?"
A third said: "Of course Trump is the only jack*** wearing a blue suit and blue tie to a funeral… such an embarrassment," while a fourth added: "Everyone wore black to honour the Pope, but Trump showed up in blue to honour... himself? Classic Rude Narcissist Donnie!"
Another wrote: "Look at our tone-deaf, idiot President Trump wearing blue at Pope Francis’s funeral. Not a day goes by that this makeup-covered moron doesn't embarrass us on the world stage."
The Vatican’s funeral dress code was clear: men were expected to wear dark suits, long black ties, and a button on the lapel to accommodate Vatican honours. Women were advised to wear long black dresses with closed-toe shoes, gloves, and a veil — with a string of pearls the only permitted jewellery.
Meanwhile, new images showed Trump and Zelensky sharing a brief conversation inside St Peter’s Basilica shortly before the service began. According to Vatican sources cited by Sky News, the pair agreed to continue their talks after the ceremony concluded.
