Donald Trump, once a regular attendee of the Met Gala, has been officially barred from the event by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. This decision, made public in 2017, marked a significant shift in the relationship between Trump and one of fashion’s most prestigious events.Showbiz Cheat Sheet+3Town & Country+3Newsweek+3Page Six
A History at the Met Gala
Trump’s association with the Met Gala dates back to the 1980s. Over the years, he attended the event with various family members, including his then-wife Ivana Trump and later Melania Knauss. Notably, in 2004, Trump proposed to Melania during the Met Gala, making the event personally significant for the couple .Vanity FairTelegraph+3Newsweek+3People.com+3
The Ban Announcement
The turning point came during an October 2017 appearance by Anna Wintour on “The Late Late Show with James Corden.” In a segment called “Spill Your Guts or Fill Your Guts,” Wintour was asked which celebrity she would never invite back to the Met Gala. Without hesitation, she responded, “Donald Trump,” eliciting cheers from the audience .The List+5Town & Country+5People.com+5Vanity Fair+4Telegraph+4Newsweek+4HuffPost+4People.com+4The List+4
Political Undertones
While Wintour did not elaborate on her reasons during the show, her political affiliations provide context. A staunch supporter of Democratic candidates, Wintour and Vogue endorsed Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election, marking the magazine’s first-ever political endorsement . Wintour has also been a significant fundraiser for Democratic campaigns, including those of Barack Obama and Clinton .Us Weekly+1Irish Independent+1The Independent
The Finality of the Decision
In subsequent interviews, Wintour confirmed the permanence of Trump’s exclusion. When asked if there was anything Trump could do to regain an invitation, she firmly stated, “Absolutely nothing,” emphasizing the finality of her decision .The Independent
Broader Implications
Trump’s ban from the Met Gala reflects the broader cultural and political divisions that have intensified in recent years. The Met Gala, under Wintour’s leadership since 1999, has evolved into a symbol of high fashion and cultural commentary. By excluding Trump, Wintour signaled a clear stance on the values and image she wishes the event to project.
In conclusion, Donald Trump’s history with the Met Gala, once marked by personal milestones, has been overshadowed by his political persona and the ensuing cultural rifts. Anna Wintour’s decisive action underscores the event’s role not just as a fashion showcase but also as a platform reflecting contemporary societal values.
