Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Melania Trump slams Anna Wintour as ‘insecure and small-minded’ after Vogue cover snub

'Her role as First Lady of the United States and all that she does is much more important than some superficial photo shoot and cover'

Sarah Harvard
New York
Tuesday 16 April 2019 12:51 EDT
Comments
Anna Wintour on how she picks which first ladies grace the cover of Vogue 'You have to stand up for what you believe in'

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Melania Trump had some choice words for Anna Wintour after the Vogue editor-in-chief reportedly vowed the first lady would never find herself on the cover of the fashion magazine again.

Ms Trump’s spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, said in a statement on Monday that being on “the cover of Vogue doesn’t define Mrs. Trump, she’s been there, done that long before she was First Lady”.

“Her role as First Lady of the United States and all that she does is much more important than some superficial photo shoot and cover,” she added. “This just further demonstrates how biased the fashion magazine industry is, and shows how insecure and small-minded Anna Wintour really is.”

Last week, Ms Wintour appeared in an interview with CNN where she subtly revealed that the magazine is not impartial when it comes to politics.

“I believe and I think that those of us that work at Conde Nast believe that you have to stand up for what you believe in and you have to take a point of view,” Ms Wintour said.

Former first lady Michelle Obama has appeared on the cover of Vogue three times throughout her husband’s presidency. The magazine also featured New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and former first Hillary Clinton.

“Obviously these are women that we feel are icons and inspiring to women from a global perspective,” the Vogue editor said, referring to Ms Obama, Ms Ardern and Ms Clinton.

While Ms Wintour did not explicitly mention Ms Trump in the interview, she said hint that she feels passionately about taking the right political stance.

“I also feel even more strongly now that this is a time to try and – I think that one has to be fair, one has to look at all sides – but I don’t think it’s a moment not to take a stand,” Ms Wintour added. “I think you can’t be everything to everybody.”

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

Ms Trump, a former model, has not yet been asked to appear on the cover of the magazine since her husband won the 2016 election. The first lady, however, did appear on the cover in February 2005 after wearing her wedding dress after marrying Donald Trump.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in