It’s been more than a decade since Donald Trump graced the Met Gala’s legendary red carpet, and a resurfaced interview clip from 2017 may finally shed light on why he’s been absent from fashion’s most coveted night. Before his political rise, Trump was a familiar face at the Met Gala, often walking alongside Melania in a signature black tuxedo and perfectly styled hair. However, since 2012, he’s been noticeably absent, sparking speculation that he may have been banned from the glamorous affair.
Trump’s past Met Gala appearances were nothing short of iconic—dressed in a sharp black tux, crisp white shirt, and accompanied by Melania, who always complemented him in equally sophisticated fashion. It was also here, at the 2005 Met Gala, that Trump famously proposed to Melania with an unforgettable 12-carat emerald-cut diamond ring, sending shockwaves through the press. But in 2017, the ever-stylish Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue and the curator of the Gala guest list, delivered a blunt response when asked on The Late Late Show with James Corden if there was anyone she would never invite back. Her single word answer left no ambiguity: “Trump.”
That moment sparked widespread speculation that Trump had effectively been blacklisted from the event. Fast forward to the 2025 Met Gala, and conversations surrounding this alleged ban have reignited across social media. One user on X gleefully shared: “Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris got invited… he’s probably SEETHING… GOOD!” Another quipped, “Funny how she’s there while Donald Trump is still banned from the Met Gala.” For many, the symbolism is hard to ignore—once a major part of Trump’s life, the Met Gala was the very place where he proposed to Melania. However, not all reactions were celebratory. Critics have questioned whether Wintour still holds the same sway in the fashion world, arguing that the Gala has lost its gravitas and become more of a celebrity spectacle than a serious fashion event. Others, though, applauded her firm stance on politics, appreciating her quiet but powerful message.
The Trumps were fixtures at the Met Gala during their pre-White House years. Their appearances in the 2000s were often picture-perfect, with Melania’s engagement ring making a memorable statement in 2004 and the couple looking as polished as ever in 2012. Their synchronized presence never failed to turn heads, epitomizing the elegant power couple aesthetic. But Melania’s rise from modest beginnings adds an extra layer of significance to their Met Gala legacy. Born in Slovenia to working-class parents, Melania worked tirelessly, saving every penny before moving to New York in pursuit of a modeling career. It was at a Fashion Week party in 1998 that she met Donald—a chance encounter that quickly turned into a romance. After some time, jet-setting weekends, and lavish gifts, Melania moved into Trump Tower, and the couple married in 2005. Their son, Barron, was born the following year. Donald also has four children from previous marriages: Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric, and Tiffany.
The Met Gala will forever hold a nostalgic significance for the Trumps—not just for its opulence, but because it marked a pivotal moment in their personal journey. With the 2025 Gala now behind us and Trump once again absent from the scene, fans and critics alike are reflecting on the evolving divide between fashion’s biggest night and one of its former regulars.
Photos from the event continue to circulate online, but despite the glitzy spectacle, it’s Trump’s absence that remains the most talked-about topic. Whether it’s Anna Wintour’s gatekeeping or Trump’s own shifting priorities, one thing remains clear: the red carpet no longer has space for the man who once proposed under its dazzling lights.
