First Lady Melania Trump Donates Second Inaugural Gown to Smithsonian

First Lady Melania Trump presented her 2025 inaugural ball gown to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History on Friday, marking her second donation to the prestigious collection. The white and black-trimmed dress joins more than two dozen other first ladies' gowns in the museum's permanent exhibit.

WASHINGTON — First Lady Melania Trump presented her 2025 inaugural ball gown to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History on Friday, calling the experience “incredible” as she watched the dress take its place in the museum’s renowned First Ladies Collection.

This marks the second time the First Lady has contributed an inaugural dress to the museum’s collection, having previously donated her 2017 gown.

During Friday’s ceremony, Trump upheld the time-honored custom of first ladies contributing their inaugural attire to the museum. She presented the sleeveless white dress with black trim along with a black neck accessory featuring a replica Harry Winston diamond brooch that she wore during the January 20, 2025 inauguration festivities. The complete outfit was showcased on a display mannequin during the presentation.

The First Lady offered thoughtful commentary about the dress and its significance, emphasizing her passion for fashion design while noting the garment represents much more than clothing.

“This is more than 50 years of education, experience, and wisdom realized with each thread, each stitch, each sharp edge,” she said. “The meticulously formed black shape ‘Z’ on the front bodice summons decades of my early memories, life experiences, and influences. And, all of these stories are tucked deep within its crisp, strong seams — forever.”

Drawing from her background as a former fashion model, Trump explained that fashion design represents another avenue for artistic expression, noting how the dress’s black and white color scheme “sets a mood rich with emotion.”

“This dress speaks with a distinct point of view, a modern silhouette, bold and dignified, and ruthlessly chic,” she said.

Following the brief ceremony, museum staff transported the mannequin to the upper level where it joined the first ladies’ display, which showcases more than two dozen gowns from previous presidential spouses. Trump, accompanied by Herve Pierre — her long-time fashion consultant who created both of her donated gowns — visited the exhibit to view the dress in its protective display case.

“It’s incredible. It’s a historic moment,” she told reporters when asked about seeing her gown become part of the permanent collection. The museum welcomed visitors back that Friday afternoon.