Melania Trump Donates Inaugural Ball Gown to Smithsonian

Former First Lady's White and Black-Trimmed Dress Added to Museum's Collection

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Melania Trump has donated the white and black-trimmed inaugural ball gown she wore to the 2025 inauguration to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History. This is the second inaugural gown she has donated to the museum's First Ladies Collection, following the donation of her 2017 gown.

Why it matters

The donation of inaugural gowns by first ladies is a long-standing tradition that helps preserve the history and fashion of the presidency. Melania Trump's gown, with its distinct design and personal meaning, will now be on display for the public to appreciate.

The details

Melania Trump's 2025 inaugural ball gown is a strapless white and black-trimmed sheath dress with a black neckpiece adorned with a reproduction of a Harry Winston diamond brooch. The former first lady, a former fashion model, described the gown as 'more than a dress' and said the black and white colors 'set a mood rich with emotion' and the design 'speaks with a distinct point of view, a modern silhouette, bold and dignified, and ruthlessly chic.'

  • Melania Trump donated the gown on February 21, 2026.
  • The gown was worn to the 2025 presidential inauguration on January 20, 2025.

The players

Melania Trump

The former First Lady of the United States, who donated her 2025 inaugural ball gown to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History.

Hervé Pierre

Melania Trump's longtime stylist and the designer of both of her inaugural gowns.

Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History

The museum that houses the First Ladies Collection, where Melania Trump's inaugural gowns are now on display.

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What they’re saying

“This is more than 50 years of education, experience, and wisdom realized with each thread, each stitch, each sharp edge. 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.”

— Melania Trump, Former First Lady (wbal.com)

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

— Melania Trump, Former First Lady (wbal.com)

“It's incredible. It's a historic moment.”

— Melania Trump (wbal.com)

What’s next

The museum was reopening to the public on Friday afternoon, allowing visitors to view Melania Trump's donated inaugural gown as part of the First Ladies Collection.

The takeaway

The donation of inaugural gowns by first ladies is a longstanding tradition that helps preserve the history and fashion of the presidency. Melania Trump's gown, with its distinct design and personal meaning, will now be on display for the public to appreciate at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.