Donald Trump wears blue to Pope Francis's funeral, sparks dress code debate

US President Donald Trump (L) and First Lady Melania Trump sit alongside leaders as they attend the late Pope Francis' funeral ceremony at St Peter's Square at the Vatican on April 26. (Image credit: AFP)

As world leaders convened at St. Peter's Basilica to solemnly bid farewell to Pope Francis, the attire of US President Donald Trump became an unexpected point of discussion.

Departing from the Vatican's established dress code for papal funerals, Trump arrived on Saturday in a dark blue suit, complemented by a light blue tie and his signature American flag lapel pin.  According to Vatican protocols, outlined in official manuals and reported by the Italian daily Il Messaggero, male attendees were expected to wear a dark suit, paired with a black tie and a black lapel pin. The prescribed attire for women included a long black dress with a matching veil and gloves, with minimal accessories.

In contrast, First Lady Melania Trump adhered to the Vatican's etiquette, appearing in a long black ensemble and veil.

While former US President Joe Biden and the UK's Prince William also opted for dark blue suits, their attire was notably more subdued compared to the current US President's choice.

Political analyst Molly Ploofkins took to X, writing, "According to the dress code required by Vatican officials for Pope Francis' funeral, men were required to wear a dark suit, along with a long black tie. Trump shows up in blue."

Here's how others reacted to the incident on social media:

One guy shows up in a blue suit to the Popes funeral. You will never guess who. pic.twitter.com/3zBJlc792l
Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) April 26, 2025

I feel that a navy suit with a black tie, while still less ideal than a black suit worn with the same neckwear, is still passable. But it appears Trump made no effort from his usual attire. Here he is addressing Congress vs at the Pope's funeral. Which outfit says "mourning?" https://t.co/wRoJXpb3wT pic.twitter.com/oaF8UidGJVderek guy (@dieworkwear) April 26, 2025

At the Pope's funeral, Trump gets slammed for wearing the same blue suit he wears to parties at Mar-a-Lago. Proper attire is a black suit. pic.twitter.com/9RffMzkH72
Bill Madden (@maddenifico) April 26, 2025

Conversely, political strategist Joey Mannarino offered a contrasting view, stating, "Trump at the Pope's funeral is just exuding complete and total class. Absolutely the image America should be projecting to the world."

In a subsequent post defending the President's attire, Mannarino wrote, "The dress code for the Pope's funeral was a 'dark suit'. A navy blue suit and tie combination is dark and it looked great on Trump. He looked slender, fit and about twenty years younger than his chronological age. Prince William and King Abdullah had navy on as well. You guys are acting like he pulled an Obama and wore a tan suit. If the worst you can do to the man is point out that his suit wasn't the right shade of color for you (racist) you really have nothing."

Media targets Trump for wearing a blue suit to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, while Prince William and dozens of world leaders including King Abdullah of Jordan also opted for blue suits. pic.twitter.com/zG4ZZZVt60Oli London (@OliLondonTV) April 27, 2025

The unexpected sartorial divergence of the US leader sparked debate, contrasting with the solemnity of the occasion and the adherence to tradition by other world figures present.