Trump’s front-row position was overshadowed by his choice of a vibrant navy blue suit and tie, a stark contrast to the black mourning attire worn by other leaders, earning widespread criticism as a breach of diplomatic protocol. Described as “the blue suit incident,” his attire stood out in broadcasts, prompting social media backlash with posts like, “Trump is literally the only world leader without the basic respect to wear black.”
Experts, including former US Protocol Chief Capricia Marshall, emphasized that black attire is a universal funeral norm, making Trump’s choice a significant diplomatic misstep. The Vatican, maintaining its strategic silence, avoided public comment, aligning with its focus on spiritual dignity over protocol disputes. This mix of securing a prime seat while flouting dress code traditions reflects a complex diplomatic signal, leaving analysts to debate whether it was a calculated move for visibility or an oversight, with implications for US-Vatican relations yet to be fully revealed.