Donald Trump’s Decade-Long Absence from the Met Gala: The Reason Behind the Snub and the History That Preceded It

At 78 years old, former U.S. President Donald Trump has not attended the Met Gala in over a decade. A resurfaced moment from 2017 may shed light on why.

Before stepping into the political arena, Donald Trump was a regular fixture at high-profile social events—including the Met Gala. Once a celebrated guest at the fashion world’s most exclusive night, Trump has been noticeably absent since 2012. This continued absence has led fans and critics alike to speculate on the reasons behind the snub.

A recent viral post dated May 6, 2025, reignited public curiosity, with fans reacting to the possibility that Trump had been banned from the event. One user on X (formerly Twitter) reacted bluntly: “They have standards.” Another added, “Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris got invited... he’s probably SEETHING... GOOD!” The contrast between Trump’s exclusion and other political figures’ inclusion has only fueled more conversation.

The Met Gala, formally known as the Costume Institute Benefit, is a lavish fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. It is famous for drawing celebrities, fashion icons, and cultural influencers dressed in dramatic, couture ensembles that reflect each year’s theme. Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, has long overseen the guest list and maintains final say on who is welcome.

Trump’s last known appearance at the event was in 2012, and he had attended multiple times before. In 2009, he was seen in a timeless black tuxedo, white shirt, and black bow tie, with his signature blond hair styled in his recognizable swept-front manner. Photos from the evening captured a confident Trump posing with a familiar smile.

But in a 2017 episode of The Late Late Show with James Corden, Wintour was asked if there was anyone she would never invite back to the Met Gala. Without hesitation, she replied: “Trump.” The brevity of the response spoke volumes and has since been widely interpreted as a personal ban.

Speculation returned as the 2025 Met Gala concluded with no appearance from the former president. Instead, political figures such as Vice President Kamala Harris were seen gracing the red carpet—adding to the contrast and the social media buzz. One user joked, “Funny how she’s there while Trump is still banned from the Met Gala 🤣.”

Trump’s history with the Met Gala stretches back decades. In 2005, he attended the “Chanel” theme night in a classic tuxedo, accompanied by Melania Knauss, who wore a stunning black gown with a dramatic white tulle hem. The couple exuded glamour, and that night became one of the most memorable for them—it was where Donald proposed to Melania with a breathtaking 12-carat emerald-cut diamond ring, valued at over $2 million.

Melania’s ring, flanked by tapered baguettes and set in platinum, was chosen by Trump without her input. He later explained that he was confident in their shared taste—and he was right. She loved it. A close-up photo from that evening shows Melania's hand elegantly displaying the ring, complemented by a matching diamond bracelet and silver earrings that sparkled under the camera flashes.

Melania, who was 33 at the time, described the proposal as “a great surprise,” and Donald proudly announced during an appearance on Live with Regis and Kelly, “It was really time.” At that point, they had been together for five years.

Born and raised in Slovenia, Melania had moved to New York in pursuit of a modeling career. Despite early struggles, including financial difficulties and a highly competitive industry, she persisted. It was during this period of uncertainty that Donald entered her life. A mutual friend recalled that Melania had nearly given up and was ready to return to Europe before meeting Trump at a Fashion Week party in 1998.

Interestingly, Trump was supposed to be introduced to a different model that night, but once he saw Melania, his attention shifted completely. Though initially hesitant, she eventually agreed to give him her number—impressed that he offered not only his office number but also private lines, including to his penthouse and private jet.

Their first date took place at Moomba, a fashionable club in New York City, and within a month, Donald flew her to Palm Beach aboard his jet for a weekend getaway. As their relationship blossomed, Melania moved into Trump Tower around two and a half years later. She was gradually introduced to the luxurious lifestyle that would become her new reality.

Despite their high-profile relationship, the couple took their time. After their wedding, Melania shared that they were never in a rush to marry. They simply enjoyed each other's company. Donald described their relationship as one based on mutual respect, saying they rarely argued and got along well. They would go on to have a son, Barron Trump, while Donald also raised four other children from previous marriages: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric with Ivana Trump, and Tiffany with Marla Maples.

Trump’s last appearance at the Met Gala came in 2012. Photos from the evening show him once again in a traditional tuxedo, looking polished and composed. Melania, standing by his side, wore a white short dress with dramatic sleeves, exuding modern elegance.

However, in recent years, critiques of Anna Wintour’s influence have also surfaced. Some fans questioned whether her decisions were still culturally relevant. One critic commented, “How relevant is Anna Wintour these days? Vogue barely sells and it’s mostly just ads now. The Met Gala feels like a circus.”

Still, the event remains a pinnacle of fashion and celebrity culture—and Trump’s exclusion from it continues to stand out as a symbol of shifting social and political dynamics in elite circles. Though he once found love on its red carpet, the Met Gala may now serve as a poignant reminder of how much has changed since those glittering nights of tuxedos, diamonds, and surprise proposals.