Donald Trump ‘disrespected’ protocol at Pope Francis’ funeral

Donald Trump found himself at the center of controversy once again during the funeral of Pope Francis this past weekend.

As world leaders, dignitaries, and royalty gathered at St. Peter’s Basilica and the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome to honor the late pontiff, who passed away at the age of 88 from a stroke and heart complications, Trump’s actions drew sharp criticism online.

Over 200,000 mourners filled St. Peter’s Square to pay tribute to Pope Francis, whose progressive approach to leadership had made him beloved by millions across the world. Despite the solemnity of the event, some attendees, including Trump, became focal points for controversy.

Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, was criticized almost immediately upon his arrival. Unlike the majority of attendees, who wore traditional all-black attire out of respect for Catholic mourning customs, Trump opted for a navy blue suit paired with a bright blue tie. Though he wasn’t the only person to choose a dark blue ensemble—Prince William also wore a similar shade—many online interpreted Trump’s fashion choice as a sign of disrespect and an intentional bid to draw attention to himself.

The criticism didn’t end there. As the ceremony proceeded, Trump was seen stepping onto the carpet surrounding Pope Francis’s coffin—a sacred area meant to symbolize holy ground, traditionally reserved and untouched out of respect for the deceased pontiff. Reports indicated that while most world leaders carefully avoided stepping onto the carpet, Trump and Melania’s shoes crossed the boundary, sparking further outrage.

Worse yet, Trump’s behavior during the service also came under fire. Viewers spotted him using his phone during the ceremony, chewing gum, and at one point, appearing to doze off with his eyes shut and mouth open. Footage quickly circulated online, drawing condemnation from those who felt the former president’s demeanor fell far short of what the occasion demanded.

Comments on social media were swift and cutting. One user wrote, “Trump at the Pope’s funeral. No traditional black suit, hunched over and sleeping! Just blasphemous!” Another remarked, “Of course Trump is the only jacka** wearing a blue suit and blue tie to a funeral… such an embarrassment.”

Some critics suggested that Trump’s very attendance was politically motivated, designed to curry favor with Catholic voters rather than a sincere gesture of mourning.

While there were a few voices defending Trump, noting that other leaders had also worn navy suits, the broader reaction highlighted a deep frustration with how he carried himself during a moment that demanded reverence and humility.

In a ceremony marked by profound grief and solemn tradition, Trump’s actions left many questioning whether he truly grasped the weight of the occasion—or, perhaps more troubling to some, if he simply didn’t care.

What are your thoughts? Was Trump’s behavior at Pope Francis’s funeral disrespectful, or are critics reading too much into it?