The Met Gala, a spectacle of celebrity and haute couture, has long been a night for the rich and famous to gather in the name of fashion and philanthropy. But for one high-profile figure, former President Donald Trump, this iconic event has not been on his calendar for years. So why did Trump, a regular attendee until 2012, find himself banned from fashion’s most glamorous night? Let’s dive into the story behind the ban and what it reveals about the intersection of politics and celebrity culture.
Trump’s Regular Met Gala Appearances Before 2012
Donald Trump, accompanied by his wife Melania, was a well-known face at the Met Gala up until 2012. His regular attendance at the event reflected his status as a celebrity businessman and media figure. The Met Gala, overseen by Vogue’s legendary editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, is known for attracting stars from every corner of the entertainment industry. Trump, with his larger-than-life persona, fit right in at this A-list event.
However, the relationship between Trump and the Met Gala began to shift dramatically after he became the President of the United States. In a move that shocked many, Trump was banned from the exclusive event shortly after his inauguration in 2017, marking the end of an era for the former president’s fashion week appearances.
The Role of Anna Wintour in Trump’s Exclusion
Anna Wintour, a figure whose influence in the fashion world is undeniable, has always been a staunch supporter of the Democratic Party. Wintour, who played a major role in curating the guest list for the Met Gala, has long been critical of Trump’s policies and rhetoric. As one of the most powerful women in fashion, her distaste for the former president’s political stances reportedly led to his exclusion from the event.
In an interview with The Late Night Show With James Corden in 2017, Wintour was asked if there was anyone she would “never invite” back to the Met Gala. Her response was pointed: “Trump.” This comment made it clear that Trump’s presence at the Met Gala would not be welcomed under Wintour’s watch, despite his past attendance.
Other Notable Celebrities Banned From the Met Gala
Trump isn’t the only celebrity to find himself on the wrong side of Wintour’s guest list. Over the years, several other prominent figures have been banned from the Met Gala, including TV personality Tim Gunn, who confirmed in 2016 that he had been blacklisted after making remarks about Wintour.
One of the more surprising exclusions came in the form of pop star Zayn Malik, who attended the event in 2016 with his then-girlfriend Gigi Hadid. Despite the star-studded nature of the night, Malik was reportedly unimpressed by the experience, and his subsequent exclusion from future events raised eyebrows.
Actors Tina Fey and Lili Reinhart also found themselves banned from the event after making controversial comments or criticizing Wintour. These actions suggest that Wintour and the Met Gala’s organizers are not shy about drawing a line when it comes to attendees’ behavior, especially when it comes to public disagreements.
The 2025 Met Gala: A Return to Form and Cultural Relevance
While Trump’s absence looms large, the Met Gala remains a reflection of evolving cultural trends and societal issues. This year’s theme spotlighted Black style through the lens of dandyism’s subversive history, a powerful commentary on the ongoing fight for racial justice and recognition. Basketball legend LeBron James served as the honorary chair, while a diverse group of luminaries from different fields helped lead the event.
Indian celebrities, including Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, and Kiara Advani, graced the event, highlighting the growing global influence of the Met Gala. The 2025 gala also reflected the aftermath of the Black Lives Matter movement, which has pushed institutions, including the Met Gala, to reassess their roles in promoting diversity and inclusion.
Conclusion: Politics Meets Fashion
The story of Donald Trump’s ban from the Met Gala serves as a reminder of how intertwined politics and celebrity culture have become. What was once an event of pure glamour has evolved into a cultural battleground where the lines between personal beliefs, public image, and fashion collide. While Trump may no longer attend, the Met Gala continues to serve as an annual reflection of the state of fashion, politics, and the broader cultural climate.
For many, the ban represents more than just a celebrity’s exclusion from a high-profile event; it’s a symbol of the deep political divide that defines much of today’s social and cultural discourse. As the years go by, it’s clear that the Met Gala will remain a place for fashion, but also a venue for powerful statements about the world we live in.
