Vanity Fair employees have issued ultimatums threatening to resign from their positions if first lady Melania Trump appears on the magazine’s cover.
This is according to sources within the publication.
A mid-level editor at the magazine told the Daily Mail that substantial staff departures would follow any decision to feature the first lady.
The editor stated they would exit the publication immediately if such a cover story materializes.
The threats emerged following reports that Vanity Fair’s new global editorial director Mark Guiducci has been pursuing Melania Trump for a potential cover feature.
Semafor first reported on these discussions between the magazine’s leadership and representatives for the first lady.
Editorial staff members have expressed strong opposition to the proposed cover story.
One staffer indicated they would prefer working in retail rather than remaining at the magazine if the cover proceeds as planned.
The employee told the Daily Mail they would not participate in what they view as normalizing the current administration.
“I will walk out the motherf***ing door, and half my staff will follow me,” they reportedly said.
The staffer emphasized their commitment to standing firm on their principles regardless of professional consequences.
Multiple sources within the magazine have confirmed that approximately half of the editorial staff would consider leaving their positions if the cover story moves forward.
These departures would represent a significant portion of the publication’s editorial workforce.
The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between Melania Trump and major fashion publications.
During her husband’s first presidency, she was notably absent from Vogue magazine covers, breaking a tradition extending back decades.
Previous Democratic first ladies received multiple Vogue covers during their tenures.
Michelle Obama appeared on three Vogue covers during Barack Obama’s presidency, while Jill Biden secured two covers during her husband’s term.
Hillary Clinton also received Vogue coverage in 1998 during Bill Clinton’s presidency.
This pattern of coverage has not extended to Melania Trump during either of her husband’s presidential terms.
Melania Trump’s only Vogue cover appearance dates to January 2005, featuring exclusive photographs from her wedding to Donald Trump.
The magazine has not offered her additional cover opportunities since that time.
She did appear on Vanity Fair’s Mexican edition cover in January 2017, photographed in an artistic pose with platinum jewelry.
This remains her most recent appearance in any Conde Nast publication.
Reports indicate Melania Trump was offered a Vogue photoshoot during the first Trump presidency but declined when she could not receive assurance of cover placement.
She has not received the traditional invitation extended to first ladies over the past 27 years.
Both Vanity Fair and Vogue operate under Conde Nast ownership.
The connection between publications has led to speculation that a Vanity Fair cover could potentially open doors for future Vogue opportunities.
Mark Guiducci’s close relationship with Vogue editor Anna Wintour adds another layer to these discussions.
Industry observers suggest this connection could influence future editorial decisions across both publications. However, not all Vanity Fair staff members share the same level of concern about the potential cover story.
A second journalist at the magazine expressed skepticism about colleagues following through on resignation threats.
This staffer suggested that while protests and complaints would likely occur, few employees would actually leave such prestigious positions over editorial decisions.
They characterized much of the opposition as rhetoric rather than concrete action plans.
The employee noted that ultimate responsibility for cover decisions rests with Guiducci as editorial director.
They emphasized that his leadership choices would determine his success or failure at the publication.
Both President Trump and Melania Trump have publicly criticized her exclusion from major fashion magazine covers.
The Daily Mail highlighted that the first lady addressed this topic during a 2022 Fox News interview, calling the publications biased in their coverage decisions.
Melania Trump stated that American readers could recognize this bias in editorial choices.
She emphasized having more important responsibilities during her White House tenure than pursuing magazine coverage.
The current situation at Vanity Fair reflects broader changes in editorial leadership and direction.
Guiducci assumed his role following the departure of former editor-in-chief Radhika Jones, who oversaw a period of declining web traffic and staff departures.
His appointment represents a potential shift from the magazine’s previous editorial stance under both Jones and legendary former editor Graydon Carter.
Both previous leaders maintained strong anti-Trump editorial positions throughout their tenures.
Guiducci reportedly plans to incorporate more conservative voices and perspectives into the magazine’s content.
Several liberal media organizations, including CNN and MSNBC, have announced efforts to move toward more centrist positioning after experiencing significant audience losses.
The post Potential Melania Trump Cover Story Triggers Foul-Mouthed Meltdown, Threats of Mass Exodus From Vanity Fair Staff appeared first on Resist the Mainstream.
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Author: Jordyn M.
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