Trump’s Fashion Statement Steals Spotlight at Pope Francis’ Funeral

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were front and center during the funeral of Pope Francis, which drew over 50 international dignitaries. This event marked a significant moment, especially since there were prior speculations about Trump’s seating arrangement due to Vatican protocol.

Against a backdrop of somber black attire, Trump opted for a dark blue suit paired with a lighter blue tie, standing out among the primarily black-clad attendees. He was not alone in his color choice; notable figures like Britain’s Prince William also chose blue, diverging from the traditional mourning colors.

The Vatican carefully organized the seating, placing world leaders in alphabetical order by their countries’ names in French. This meant that Trump, representing Les États-Unis, found himself positioned between the leaders of Finland and Estonia, just a few seats away from French President Emmanuel Macron.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received a warm welcome from the audience upon his arrival. He was seated several seats away from Trump and met briefly with the U.S. president before the service. During the Sign of Peace, Trump exchanged handshakes with Macron and Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, emphasizing unity.

Former President Joe Biden, seated a few rows behind Trump, attended the ceremony with his wife, Jill. Biden, a practicing Roman Catholic, wore his signature aviator sunglasses, while Melania, marking her 55th birthday, expressed that attending the pontiff’s funeral was an honor.

In 2017, Melania became the first Catholic First Lady since Jacqueline Kennedy and described her meeting with Pope Francis during his visit as unforgettable. The timing of this funeral coincided with her birthday, adding a personal note to a significant event.