Donald Trump has a long history with the Met Gala. In the 1980s and ’90s, he was a frequent guest, attending with his then-wives Ivana Trump and later Marla Maples. In 2004, he even proposed to Melania Trump on the way to the iconic event. Once a regular presence on its red carpet, Trump is now notably absent—and has been for years.

In 2017, Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who has chaired the Gala since 1997, made headlines during an appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden when asked if there was anyone she would not invite back. Her answer: “Donald Trump.” Though she did not elaborate further, the comment marked a turning point in how the event aligned itself with public figures.

Though Wintour has maintained that the Met Gala is not political, the selection of guests has come to reflect a particular vision—one centered on creativity, representation, and contemporary cultural narratives. Today, it’s not only about fame or status; it’s about the stories the event chooses to highlight.