Vanity Fair Staff Reacts to Cover Idea Featuring Melania Trump

Staff members at Vanity Fair expressed strong objections upon hearing that the magazine’s leadership considered featuring Melania Trump on a cover. Reports suggest that Global Editorial Director Mark Guiducci showed interest in this idea, but it was met with fierce backlash from employees who threatened to resign if it materialized, as noted by the New York Post.

One editor was particularly vocal, declaring, “I will walk out the motherfucking door, and half my staff will follow me,” in a conversation with the Post.

Another editor emphasized their stance further, stating, “We are not going to normalize this despot and his wife; we’re just not going to do it. We’re going to stand for what’s right.” Subsequent warnings were issued about leaving their positions altogether.

“If I have to work bagging groceries at Trader Joe’s, I’ll do it. If [Guiducci] puts Melania on the cover, half of the editorial staff will walk out, I guarantee it,” they said, according to the outlet.

However, some employees expressed skepticism about the seriousness of these threats, suggesting that much of the outrage may be performative. “It’s all talk,” one staff member stated. “If they put her on the cover, people will protest and gripe about it, but I don’t see anyone quitting such a prestigious job over that.”

This same employee pointed out that while there might be some pushback, ultimately, the decision lies with Mark. “He’s the one who will sink or swim over that choice, not the rest of us,” they commented.

Interestingly, Melania Trump has never graced the covers of Vanity Fair or Vogue during her husband’s presidency, while Michelle Obama appeared on Vogue three times as First Lady. Trump, who previously worked as a model, has had a number of magazine covers throughout her career without debate.