Donald Trump, once a regular attendee of the Met Gala, has been officially banned from the event since 2017. This decision was publicly confirmed by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour during a segment on The Late Late Show with James Corden. When asked whom she would never invite back to the Met Gala, Wintour promptly responded, “Donald Trump,” eliciting cheers from the audience .(Express.co.uk, Town & Country, Vanity Fair)
Trump’s history with the Met Gala dates back to the 1980s. He attended with his first wife, Ivana Trump, and later with Melania Knauss, whom he proposed to on the night of the 2004 Met Gala. Melania showcased her 15-carat diamond engagement ring at the event, marking a significant moment in their relationship . The couple continued to appear at the gala until 2012.(Newsweek, People.com, Express.co.uk)
While Wintour did not provide a specific reason for the ban, her political stance during the 2016 presidential election offers some context. She was a vocal supporter of Hillary Clinton, with Vogue endorsing Clinton—a first in the magazine’s history. Wintour described the endorsement as a necessary leadership position in support of women . Additionally, Wintour has been openly critical of Trump’s presidency, which may have influenced her decision to exclude him from the event .(Us Weekly)
The Met Gala, curated by Wintour since 1999, is known for its exclusive guest list, with individual tickets priced at \$30,000 and tables ranging from \$275,000 to \$500,000. Despite the high cost, attendance is by invitation only, with Wintour having the final say on the guest list . Trump’s exclusion underscores the event’s selective nature and Wintour’s commitment to aligning the gala with her values and vision for the fashion industry
