As global leaders and dignitaries gathered at the Vatican to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis on Saturday, April 26, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump’s behavior at the solemn occasion quickly became a focal point of online backlash. The funeral, held at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica after a requiem mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, attracted an audience of over 200,000 people, including royalty and heads of state from around the world. While many leaders adhered to the expected decorum of such an important event, Trump’s actions were widely criticized for their apparent lack of respect for protocol.
Among the attendees were notable figures such as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Prince William of the British royal family. However, it was Trump’s actions—and especially his attire—that sparked the most heated discussions. Trump’s presence at the event seemed to evoke mixed reactions, with some questioning his motivations for attending while others focused on his behavior and attire. Despite the solemn nature of the occasion, Trump’s moments at the funeral seemed to capture more attention for all the wrong reasons.
Trump’s Attire: A Break from Tradition
One of the most immediately noticeable aspects of Trump’s appearance at the funeral was his choice of attire. While the traditional dress code for Catholic funerals calls for black, as a mark of mourning and respect, Trump stood out by opting for a bright blue suit. The contrast between his outfit and the sea of black-clad mourners did not go unnoticed, and it immediately sparked a flurry of criticism on social media.
Many viewers were quick to point out that wearing a blue suit to such a formal and somber occasion was not just a fashion misstep—it was viewed by some as an outright disregard for the cultural and religious significance of the funeral. “Of course Trump is the only jacka** wearing a blue suit and blue tie to a funeral… such an embarrassment,” one social media user wrote. Others shared similar sentiments, expressing their frustration with his decision to stand out at a moment that called for humility and respect.
While some commentators noted that Prince William also chose a dark blue suit, it was Trump’s status as an American political figure that made his choice more controversial. Many took issue with what they perceived as Trump’s tendency to break away from conventions in an attempt to draw attention to himself. Critics argued that by refusing to wear a black suit, Trump not only violated the unwritten rules of funeral attire but also missed an opportunity to show genuine respect for the late pope and the solemnity of the occasion.
Trump’s Behavior: More Than Just Fashion
While Trump’s choice of suit was the first point of contention, it was his behavior throughout the ceremony that truly ignited criticism. Throughout the service, the president appeared to engage in actions that many considered disrespectful, especially given the context of the funeral. A number of observers reported that Trump seemed disengaged from the proceedings, with his actions suggesting he was more interested in his own comfort than participating in the moment of mourning.
At one point during the service, Trump was seen using his phone—an action that many viewers found inappropriate for such a sacred event. His apparent disinterest was compounded by moments when he seemed to doze off, his eyes closed and his posture slouched, as he sat in the front row with his wife, Melania. “Trump fell asleep at the Pope’s funeral, he walked on the rug that was under the casket (a big no-no), refused to wear a dark suit, said he was looking forward to a fun trip (it’s a freaking funeral, nimrod), and left well before it was over,” one comment on social media summed up the situation.
Further adding to the controversy, Trump was seen chewing gum while the service was ongoing. This behavior, coupled with the previously mentioned distractions, led to a barrage of criticism from people who felt that the president’s actions were disrespectful to the memory of Pope Francis and to the people attending the event with solemn reverence.
The Carpet Incident: Stepping Over Boundaries
Another significant moment that caused outrage was Trump’s disregard for the sacred carpet around the pope’s coffin. According to reports, the carpet surrounding the casket was considered “holy ground” by many attendees, symbolizing the sanctity of the space and the late pontiff’s resting place. The Art Newspaper highlighted the importance of maintaining a respectful distance from the carpet, yet both Trump and Melania were seen stepping onto it, further igniting the backlash.
This was not a minor slip-up; stepping on the carpet was viewed as a profound violation of the protocol and a failure to show the respect typically afforded to religious rituals. While other mourners carefully avoided the sacred carpet, Trump’s actions seemed to disregard the significance of the space entirely. Critics noted that this lack of attention to detail reflected poorly on his understanding of the event’s importance and his role as a representative of the United States.
The Early Exit: A Symbol of Disrespect?
As if his behavior during the service wasn’t enough to spark outrage, Trump’s decision to leave the funeral early further contributed to the negative perception of his actions. Many viewers were quick to point out that Trump’s early departure sent the wrong message—suggesting that he was not genuinely committed to paying his respects but instead eager to leave after fulfilling what he saw as a political obligation. While the details of his departure remain unclear, the optics were damaging, with many questioning why the president would leave such a significant event before it was over.
The timing of his exit seemed to reinforce the idea that Trump’s attendance at the funeral was more about appealing to his Catholic voter base than genuinely honoring Pope Francis. His swift departure, coupled with the other instances of inappropriate behavior, left many feeling that Trump had once again used a solemn occasion for his own political advantage, rather than showing the respect and humility expected of world leaders.
Public Reaction: A Mixed Response
The public’s reaction to Trump’s behavior at Pope Francis’ funeral was swift and unforgiving. Critics flooded social media with comments calling his actions disrespectful and embarrassing. “Trump couldn’t even be respectful and wear a black suit to Pope Francis’ funeral like the rest of world leaders. He always has to stick out and try and be the center of attention,” one user tweeted, reflecting the widespread frustration with the president’s behavior.
Others noted that his actions seemed to undermine the seriousness of the event, with some even going so far as to label his behavior “blasphemous.” “Trump at the Pope’s funeral. No traditional black suit, hunched over and sleeping! Just blasphemous!” one user wrote, highlighting the stark contrast between Trump’s behavior and the reverence shown by other world leaders in attendance.
However, not everyone was critical of Trump’s actions. Some of his supporters defended his behavior, arguing that he had every right to attend the funeral and that his attire was simply a reflection of his personal style. They pointed out that the president had shown respect for the pope in his own way, and that his behavior during the service should not overshadow the significance of the event.
A Continuing Pattern?
The controversy surrounding Trump’s behavior at Pope Francis’ funeral is not an isolated incident. Throughout his presidency, Trump has frequently clashed with established norms and protocols, often sparking outrage and debate over his actions. Whether it’s his attire, his approach to diplomacy, or his interactions with other world leaders, Trump’s behavior has consistently pushed boundaries and drawn criticism for its perceived lack of respect for tradition and decorum.
At the funeral of Pope Francis, these tendencies were on full display, as Trump’s actions at the event seemed to reflect his broader approach to leadership. While some may argue that he was simply being true to himself, many others felt that he missed an opportunity to demonstrate the respect and dignity that such a historic event required.
Donald Trump is asked why he decided to go to the Pope Francis' funeral.
He starts babbling about how he won the Catholic vote and made it all about himself like a quintessential narcissist. pic.twitter.com/UOR0oXvHV3
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) April 25, 2025
Conclusion: The Impact of Trump’s Actions
The public outcry following Trump’s behavior at Pope Francis’ funeral serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play when world leaders interact in such high-profile settings. For some, the event highlighted Trump’s disregard for traditional norms and his tendency to prioritize his own agenda over the expectations of others. For others, his actions were yet another example of his defiance against the political establishment and his willingness to break away from the status quo.
Ultimately, Trump’s behavior at the funeral of Pope Francis may have left a lasting impression, not just on those in attendance but on the millions of people watching from around the world. Whether or not the president intended to make a statement, his actions at the funeral were seen by many as a clear reflection of his broader approach to leadership—one that consistently challenges conventions and defies expectations.
