An Embarrassment on the World Stage: Stephen King Tears Into Trump for His Blue Suit and Sleeping Through Pope Francis’ Funeral

On April 26, 2025, the world gathered in Vatican City to mourn the passing of Pope Francis, who died at 88 after a stroke. The funeral, held in St. Peter’s Square, drew over 250,000 mourners, including 54 heads of state and 12 reigning sovereigns. Among them was U.S. President Donald Trump, whose actions during the solemn event sparked widespread criticism, notably from acclaimed author Stephen King. King, known for his sharp commentary on X, lambasted Trump for wearing a blue suit—defying the traditional black attire—and appearing to sleep during the ceremony, calling it an “embarrassment on the world stage.”

A Blue Suit in a Sea of Black

The Vatican’s dress code for Pope Francis’ funeral was clear: men were expected to wear dark suits with black ties, and women long black dresses with veils. World leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Argentine President Javier Milei adhered to the somber protocol. Even Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, often seen in combat attire, wore all-black. Trump, however, stood out in a mid-blue suit with a matching tie and an American flag pin, a choice that drew immediate ire online.

Social media erupted with accusations of disrespect. One X user fumed, “Why isn’t Trump wearing a black suit? Such disrespect.” Another wrote, “He’s the only jacka** in a blue suit and tie at a funeral. Total embarrassment.” The White House defended Trump, with communications director Steven Cheung stating, “The president and first lady honored Pope Francis’ life, and those who distract from that should be ashamed.” Yet, the New York Times noted that Trump’s bright blue suit “popped out like a sign” amid the sea of black, suggesting a deliberate choice by a leader “playing by no one’s rules but his own.”

Dozing Off During a Historic Moment

Beyond his attire, Trump’s behavior during the funeral fueled further controversy. Video footage captured him with his eyes closed for extended periods, head tilted forward, prompting speculation that he was sleeping. Stephen King, a vocal Trump critic, seized on this, posting on X: “Trump in a blue suit, snoozing through Pope Francis’ funeral. An embarrassment on the world stage.” While some argued Trump might have been in prayer or reflection, the optics were damning, especially given the event’s global significance.

Online reactions echoed King’s sentiment. One user posted, “Texting and chewing gum at the Pope’s funeral, now sleeping? Trump’s a disgrace.” Another added, “Even as an atheist, I’d show more respect for the dead than this.” Reports also surfaced of Trump using his phone and chewing gum during the service, further painting a picture of disengagement.

A Pattern of Funeral Faux Pas

Trump’s conduct at Pope Francis’ funeral aligns with a history of controversial behavior at solemn events, as noted by Vanity Fair. From attending the memorial of his former mentor Roy Cohn despite their falling out, to disparaging John McCain after his death, Trump has often drawn criticism for his lack of decorum. His cheerful Truth Social post about “looking forward” to the Pope’s funeral already raised eyebrows for its tone-deaf enthusiasm.

King’s critique resonates with a broader narrative of Trump as a polarizing figure, particularly in international settings. The author has frequently used X to mock Trump’s intelligence and leadership, and this latest incident provided fresh fodder. Posts on X amplified the outrage, with one user stating, “King’s right—Trump’s behavior at the Vatican was a new low.”

Melania’s Role and the Bigger Picture

First Lady Melania Trump, a practicing Catholic, adhered to protocol in a black Dolce & Gabbana coat and veil, earning praise for her somber elegance. She also intervened during the funeral’s “Sign of Peace” ritual, guiding Trump to avoid a diplomatic blunder when he hesitated to participate. A lip-reading expert revealed Trump whispering, “I’ll go over and speak to him,” possibly referring to another leader, to which Melania responded with a silent “side eye.”

The funeral was a moment of global unity, with leaders like Prince William, Joe Biden, and Ursula von der Leyen paying respects to a pontiff hailed as the “people’s pope.” Trump’s actions, however, shifted focus from the ceremony’s gravity. His blue suit and apparent dozing overshadowed his presence, reinforcing critics’ views of him as tone-deaf.

Why It Matters

Stephen King’s remarks cut to the heart of a larger debate about Trump’s suitability for global leadership. Pope Francis, who often clashed with Trump on issues like migration and the environment, was a symbol of humility and compassion. Trump’s failure to honor the occasion’s solemnity, as King and others see it, underscores a disconnect between his persona and the expectations of international diplomacy.

As the world reflects on Pope Francis’ legacy, Trump’s conduct at the funeral will likely remain a footnote of controversy. For King and many online, it’s a stark reminder of why Trump remains a divisive figure, even at moments meant to transcend politics.