Details About Donald Trump Not Being Invited Back to the Met Gala Resurface - What Happened

The 78-year-old hasn't attended the Met Gala in over a decade, and a resurfaced moment from 2017 offers a clear explanation.

Before stepping into politics, US President Donald Trump was a familiar face at the Met Gala, often attending the star-studded event. But his absence from the annual affair since 2012 has continued to spark questions among fans.

The Met Gala is a fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, widely known for bringing together high-profile celebrities in beautifully designed outfits to celebrate fashion and culture.

The fashion event is overseen by Vogue's editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who personally curates the guest list each year. But Donald, a prominent figure, has been absent for over a decade.

In a 2017 appearance on "The Late Late Show with James Corden," Anna revealed why. When asked if there was anyone she would never invite back to the Met Gala, she simply replied, "Trump."

This comment led many to assume that Anna had banned Donald from attending the prestigious event. As the 2025 Met Gala concluded, rumors resurfaced, fueling discussions and widespread commentary on the alleged ban.

One user suggested, "They have standards." Another fan remarked, "Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris got invited...he's probably SEETHING...GOOD!" Some people pointed out the irony, "Funny how shes (Kamala Harris) there while donald trump is still banned in met gala🤣 [sic]."

Another commenter couldn't help but find the situation amusing, penning, "Vice President Kamala Harris showing up at the Met Gala is even funnier when you realize that Donald Trump is literally banned from ever attending by Anna Wintour."

More people shared their thoughts, "I’m actually very glad to know where Anna Wintour stands on the political spectrum." Meanwhile, a curious fan wondered, "Why would he go?🙄." However, some fans reminisced, "He loved going. He proposed to Melania at the Met Gala. They were regulars."

There was also some criticism of Anna's influence, "How relevant is Anna Wintour now a days - Vogue magazines hardly get sold and the digital presence is for those under 30 it’s all advertising. They cater to celebrities and where are the iconic models. Trump getting banned oh well it's like a circus anyway [sic]."

The Met Gala will always hold a special meaning to Donald as it is where he proposed to his girlfriend, now-wife, Melania (Knauss) Trump, with a dazzling 12-carat diamond ring worth $2 million. The emerald-cut diamond, flanked by tapered baguettes and set in platinum, left Melania speechless, and she accepted his proposal.

Donald Trump picked out the engagement ring without Melania, confident in his choice by saying they shared similar tastes. Fortunately, he was right as Melania loved the ring.

"It was a great surprise. We are very happy together," said Melania, who was 33 at the time. Earlier, during an appearance on "Live with Regis and Kelly," Donald shared, "We've had a great relationship. We’ve been together for five years and it was really time."

The engagement marked a fairy-tale moment for Melania, who had a strict upbringing in Eastern Europe with her Austrian father and Slovenian mother, both of whom emphasized education. However, after learning five languages, Melania pursued a career in modeling.

She spent her savings to move to New York City, and while she appeared in ads for various brands, the early years were difficult, with minimal pay. At a turning point in her career, in September 1998, Donald entered her life.

A friend recalled, "She ran into Donald just at the right time. She was just about out of money, at the end of her rope and about to move back to Eastern Europe."

Melania and Donald were both attending a Fashion Week party in New York when fate stepped in. Donald was meant to be introduced to a supermodel seated next to Melania, but the moment he laid eyes on the Slovenian beauty, his focus shifted entirely.

Melania was initially hesitant to give Donald her phone number when they met, but he insisted, offering her not just his office number, but also his private contacts, including his penthouse and jet.

Melania reflected on the encounter, “If he gave me just his office number, that would show he’s not very serious. It shows how a man sees a woman, and how he treats a woman."

After a fashion shoot in the Caribbean, Melania called Donald, and their first date was a night at Moombah, the city's most fashionable club. A month later, Donald flew her to Palm Beach for a weekend getaway aboard his private jet, featuring a king-sized bed.

Their relationship took its time to develop, with the couple choosing to move at their own pace. Around two and a half years after they began dating, Donald invited Melania to move into his Trump Tower duplex. Melania was soon introduced to a luxurious lifestyle.

After tying the knot, Melania Trump shared that they hadn't been in any hurry to marry, explaining that they were simply enjoying each other's company. Meanwhile, Donald described their relationship as one marked by compatibility, noting that they got along well and rarely argued.

During that time, the couple was also looking forward to starting a family, with Donald expressing confidence that Melania would be a wonderful mother.

Today, they share a son, Barron Trump. Donald also has four other children from his previous marriages: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric with his first wife Ivana Trump, and Tiffany with his second wife Marla Ann Maples.

The 2025 Met Gala was still a hit even with Donald's absence. The after-party drew in celebrities dressed in bold, expressive ensembles that kept the night unforgettable.

Take a look at the photos from the evening.