A brewing controversy at Vanity Fair has exposed deep divisions within the magazine’s editorial staff after global editorial director Mark Guiducci floated the idea of featuring First Lady Melania Trump on the publication’s cover. The proposal has triggered threats of mass resignations from employees who oppose giving the Trump administration such prominent coverage.
Guiducci, who assumed his role as Vanity Fair’s global editorial director in June after leaving his position at Vogue, has been seeking greater representation of conservative figures in the magazine. Both Vanity Fair and Vogue are published by Condé Nast, where Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour serves as the global chief content officer. Guiducci is described as a close confidante and family friend of Wintour.
The backlash from staff members has been swift and intense. One mid-level editor expressed their fury to the Daily Mail, stating they would “walk out the motherf****** door, and half my staff will follow me.” The same editor indicated they would refuse to normalize what they characterized as a despotic administration and its first lady, declaring they would rather work at a grocery store than participate in such coverage.
The editor further emphasized their commitment to opposing the cover idea, saying they would guarantee that half the editorial staff would leave if Guiducci proceeded with featuring Melania Trump. The staffer expressed willingness to sacrifice their career rather than participate in what they viewed as normalizing the Trump administration.
However, not all Vanity Fair employees share this militant stance. Another staffer dismissed the threats as empty posturing, suggesting that while people might complain, few would actually resign from such a prestigious position. This employee noted that any decision would ultimately rest with Guiducci, who would bear the responsibility for the choice’s success or failure.
The controversy highlights a broader pattern of treatment toward the Trump family by fashion publications. During President Trump’s first administration from 2017 to 2021, Melania Trump was notably excluded from covers of both Vanity Fair and its sister publication Vogue, despite being a former model with extensive magazine experience.
This treatment contrasts sharply with the coverage afforded to previous first ladies. Michelle Obama appeared on Vogue’s cover three times during President Barack Obama’s two terms in office, while Jill Biden received two Vogue covers during President Joe Biden’s administration. Hillary Clinton also graced Vogue’s cover during her time as first lady.
Melania Trump did appear on Vogue’s cover once before, in 2005, wearing her wedding dress after marrying Donald Trump when he was still primarily known as a real estate mogul. She also appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair Mexico in 2017 during her husband’s first presidency.
Recent reports suggest that Melania Trump herself has rejected any potential cover offer from the magazine. Sources close to the first lady indicated she lacks interest in participating in magazine photo shoots, viewing her priorities as first lady as far more important than appearing on publication covers.
A source told Page Six that the first lady does not have time for photo shoots and that her priorities extend beyond magazine appearances. The same source suggested that the magazine staff does not deserve her participation anyway, given their apparent hostility to the idea.
Melania Trump previously expressed her indifference toward magazine coverage in an interview with Fox News, noting she had already appeared on numerous publication covers including Vogue. She emphasized having more important responsibilities than posing for magazine covers and suggested that her appearance on any publication would not significantly impact anyone’s life.
The first lady currently manages multiple high-profile projects, including her “Fostering the Future” program for foster children and her “Be Best” initiative addressing cyberbullying and opioid abuse. She played a role in advancing the “Take It Down Act,” which requires social media platforms to remove non-consensual intimate images. Additionally, she is working on a documentary with Amazon, writing a memoir, and developing an AI-powered audiobook.
Conservative media personalities have defended the first lady and criticized the magazine staff’s opposition. Fox and Friends hosts suggested that employees threatening to quit should be terminated and mocked one editor’s claim about preferring grocery store employment. The hosts argued that if Melania Trump appeared on a cover, it could boost magazine sales and provide more balanced representation.
The situation remains unresolved as Guiducci weighs his options amid the staff rebellion. Whether the global editorial director will proceed with his reported plan despite employee opposition remains unclear, as does the potential impact on Vanity Fair’s editorial operations should significant numbers of staff members follow through on their resignation threats.
