Donald Trump has been a notable figure on the Met Gala red carpet, famously using the event to propose to Melania. However, his presence at this glamorous affair has become a thing of the past, seemingly for good. The 2025 Met Gala saw his absence not just noted, but anticipated, marking a significant shift in the event’s guest list.

The decision to exclude Trump stems from a declaration made by Anna Wintour in 2017, when she stated unequivocally, “He will never be invited again.” This statement has held firm throughout both of Trump’s presidencies, reflecting a broader cultural shift within the fashion world that prioritizes values over celebrity status.

Once a regular at the Met Gala during the 1980s and 1990s, Trump made headlines for his extravagant style and even more for his 2004 proposal to Melania. Yet, as the gala evolves, so too does its unwritten code of who gets invited, with Trump’s controversial public persona now deemed incompatible with the event’s current ethos.

This year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” celebrated Black designers and their impact on fashion, signaling a commitment to inclusivity and social relevance. As the Met Gala embraces these new narratives, Trump’s connection to the fashion elite has been severed, leaving the door to this iconic event firmly locked.