Chewing gum and sleeping: Six ways Donald Trump broke rules at Pope Francis’ funeral

Donald Trump has been called out for breaking a number of rules and protocols whilst at the funeral for Pope Francis at the weekend. The service took place on Saturday, and the US president has been called a “disgrace” for some of his behaviours.

Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, and was laid to rest at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica. A number of world leaders were in attendance, including Donald Trump and first lady, Melania Trump. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prince William also attended.

But, Donald Trump managed to be the one stealing headlines. Of course. He “broke rules” a number of times – here’s how.

Donald Trump stood out wearing a blue suit

According to the dress code required by Vatican officials for Pope Francis' funeral, men were required to wear a dark suit, along with a long black tie. Trump shows up in blue. pic.twitter.com/Ou5ckXjJqm

— Molly Ploofkins (@Mollyploofkins) April 26, 2025

According to protocols, men were required to wear a dark suit and dark, black tie. The traditional colour worn to Catholic funerals is black. People noted that Trump completely ignored this, and stood out in the crowd wearing a navy blue suit and tie.

“Of course Trump is the only jack*ss wearing a blue suit and blue tie to a funeral….such an embarrassment,” one person said on Twitter.

Trump stood on the holy carpet

As well as his suit blunder, Trump is said to have stood on the carpet around the coffin carrying the Pope. The Art Newspaper reports the reason the coffin is surrounded by carpet is to “signal holy ground, a sanctified space with distinct borders that separate the pontiff from attendants and visitors around him.” Basically, don’t stand on it.

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But, both Trump and Melania are said to have stood on the carpet, when mourners were invited to share their respects. One person on Twitter said: “Trump and Melania – the only two stepping over the rug where Pope Francis coffin sits when paying respect, jeeeezzz!”.

He ‘clearly fell asleep’

Trump clearly falling asleep at the funeral for Pope Francis is not only fair game for criticism but should be deeply embarrassing to all Americans. It would have been a huge scandal with any previous president, and yet, the muted media coverage of it shows how far we've fallen.

— Charlotte Clymer 🇺🇦 (@cmclymer) April 27, 2025

If there’s one thing you should avoid at a televised funeral, it’s falling asleep. But, Trump was pictured “nodding off” during the service. It’s been called “embarrassing” and worthy of a “huge scandal”.

“Trump clearly falling asleep at the funeral for Pope Francis is not only fair game for criticism but should be deeply embarrassing to all Americans,” one reporter said on Twitter. “It would have been a huge scandal with any previous president, and yet, the muted media coverage of it shows how far we’ve fallen.”

Trump was also seen chewing gum

Viewers of the event also called Trump out for chewing gum – and quite visibly, too. He literally got a packet out of his pocket, took the gum out and placed it in his mouth… during the service. All whilst sitting in the front row.

And texting?!

CAN YOU SEE THE DIFFERENCE???
"Sleepy Joe" uhm… Sleepy Trump!

Trump disrespected the Pope's funeral on several occasions, and one of them was his bright navy suit.
He also fell asleep, used his phone, and chewed gum, all while sitting in the front row at the funeral!… pic.twitter.com/HZHMPuuNX4

— Anna – Never give up. No matter what is going on! (@Sanikri) April 27, 2025

Yep, Donald Trump was also seen on his phone during the funeral of Pope Francis. At one point he appeared to get his phone out and type on it for a bit, before looking up and remembering where he was, and putting it away again. Right.

Just to top it all off, he left early

Then just to top it all off, Trump was seen making a pretty swift exit at the end to travel back to the US.

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