From Salma Hayek to Princess Diana, discover the famous women who reportedly turned down Donald Trump’s romantic advances, revealing unexpected encounters and public rejections.
Before becoming the President of the United States, Donald Trump was known for his larger-than-life persona and high-profile relationships. Over the years, he reportedly attempted to charm several famous women, from Hollywood stars to British royalty, but many of them turned down his advances—some openly, others through private anecdotes. Here are some of the most notable instances where famous women rejected Trump’s romantic pursuits.
Salma Hayek: A Bold Encounter with Trump’s Flirtation
In 2017, actress Salma Hayek shared a jaw-dropping story on The Daily Show about her encounter with Donald Trump. At a public event, Trump approached Hayek and her boyfriend with charm, inviting them to dinner. However, he later contacted Hayek directly, dismissing her boyfriend and saying that he wasn’t “big enough” for her. Despite Trump’s advances, Hayek remained firm in her relationship, laughing off the bold comments.
.@SalmaHayek explains what it’s like to be hit on by Donald Trump. https://t.co/8I78qVzVSP pic.twitter.com/O4h2h1c5qX
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) June 9, 2017
Brooke Shields: Trump’s Surprising Approach
Actress and model Brooke Shields also revealed her own encounter with Trump. In a 2017 interview, she recalled a time when Trump, after a charity event, asked her out. Though she initially dismissed his advances, Trump circled back to express his interest. Shields’ head shake and closed eyes while recounting the incident said it all, revealing her discomfort with his persistent approach.
Candice Bergen: An Unforgettable, Awkward Date
Legendary actress Candice Bergen had her own unusual experience with Trump. In a 2017 appearance on Watch What Happens Live, Bergen recalled a short and awkward dinner date. Despite Trump’s flashy outfit, which included a coordinated burgundy suit, shoes, and limo, Bergen described the evening as “cringe-worthy” and summed it up simply: “He was a good-looking guy, and a douche.”
Emma Thompson: The Surprising Phone Call
British actress Emma Thompson shared an unexpected encounter with Trump during a 2017 interview on the Scandinavian show Skavlan. While filming Primary Colors on the Universal lot, Thompson received a phone call from Trump, who offered her a stay at one of his Trump Towers and suggested dining together. She politely deflected his invitation, and admitted that she had never met him in person before or since.
Princess Diana: Trump’s Pursuit and His Disturbing Claims
Even royalty wasn’t immune to Trump’s reported romantic advances. According to a book excerpt from The King, Trump aggressively pursued Princess Diana following her divorce. After she rejected him, Trump made a controversial claim, stating he could have had her if he wanted but only if she passed an HIV test. His memoir also mentioned his regret over not having the chance to court Diana, despite meeting her several times.
Carla Bruni: Dismisses Trump’s Alleged Romance
Italian-French model and singer Carla Bruni was also linked to Trump in the press, but she quickly shut down the rumors. Bruni called him a “lunatic” and denied any romantic involvement, clarifying that they had met only once at a charity event and had not seen each other since.
Peggy Fleming: Rebuffs Trump’s Alleged Advances
Olympic gold medalist Peggy Fleming found herself caught in rumors linking her to Donald Trump. She publicly rejected the claims, calling them “untrue, unfounded, and outrageous.” Fleming emphasized that they had only crossed paths a few times in a business context and clarified that she would not even consider Trump a close friend.
The Trump-FLOTUS Dynamic: A Public Moment of Tension
In September 2025, Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were caught on camera sharing what some interpreted as a tense exchange during their return from the United Nations General Assembly. The footage, showing Trump pointing his finger at Melania inside Marine One, sparked a flurry of social media commentary. While some dismissed the moment as a normal married couple’s disagreement, others focused on Trump’s finger-wagging gesture, sparking debates online.
