Vanity Fair boss faces calls to fire employees who threaten to 'walk out' over Melania Trump cover

WASHINGTON, DC: A debate has erupted after reports claimed Vanity Fair staff threatened to quit if first lady Melania Trump were to be placed on the magazine’s cover.

The story gained more attention when 'Fox & Friends' hosts Brian Kilmeade and Ainsley Earhardt demanded action against the employees, urging the publication to treat Melania like other first ladies.

'Fox & Friends' host slams Vanity Fair employees over Melania Trump cover dispute

The Daily Mail reported that Vanity Fair’s new global editorial director, Mark Guiducci, attempted to “woo” Melania Trump into appearing on the magazine’s cover.

However, employees strongly opposed the idea. One mid-level editor reportedly said, “I will walk out the motherf*****g door, and half my staff will follow me,” according to the outlet.

Others echoed similar frustrations, 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.”

Another employee added, “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.”

In response, Kilmeade condemned the remarks, calling for accountability. “You should be fired if you are not exposed,” said Kilmeade, adding, “If you’re at Vanity Fair right now, walk around and look for a mid-level editor that sounds angry, and toss them out and send them to Trader Joe’s!”

Calls grow for Melania Trump to be featured on Vogue cover

Ainsley Earhardt backed Brian Kilmeade’s position and argued that Melania Trump should be featured like other first ladies.

“You had Michelle Obama on Vogue several times. You had Jill Biden on Vogue several times. You had Hillary Clinton inside the magazine on one of the pages. No Melania after she became first lady!” Earhardt said during the broadcast.

She also claimed she would support the magazine financially if Melania were given a cover story. “I would buy several copies of the magazine if they put her on the cover because I want their stock to go up,” said Earhardt.

Melania Trump's take on exclusion from magazine covers

Despite the snub, Melania Trump has previously said she has “no interest” in appearing on the illustrious covers

“I’ve been there on the cover of Vogue, on the cover of many magazines before, and for me, we have so many other important things to do than to be on the cover of any magazine," Melania told during the Fox News interview.

She added, "I think the life would not change for anybody if I’m on the cover of the magazine."

After the clip was replayed during the show, Kilmeade interpreted her statement as a dismissal of the snub. He told viewers, paraphrasing her, that “it’s your loss if you don’t put her on the cover.”

Internet backs call to fire Vogue staff over Melania Trump cover refusal

The controversy spilled onto social media, where many voiced support for Melania.

“I would fire them all,” one user wrote on X. 

Another added, “Truth. She is too busy. Also, yes, let them walk. These leftists are so privileged.”

Others demanded immediate changes. “Let them leave! Fire them! It’s way over due, she is our First Lady, a wonderful mother, wife, daughter and friend. Do the right thing Vanity Fair,” wrote one more user.

Another commenter posted, “Time for new staff,” while one echoed the same sentiment saying, “Let them walk.”

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.