Melania Trump Donates Inaugural Gown to Smithsonian

Former First Lady celebrates her black and white ballgown joining the First Lady's exhibit

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Melania Trump has donated her 2025 inaugural gown to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, where it will join the First Lady's exhibit. Trump described the black and white ballgown, designed by her longtime collaborator Herve Pierre, as "modern, bold, simple, and dignified." The dress was also featured in Trump's self-titled documentary, where she consulted on its design. Several other governors' spouses joined Trump at the event to celebrate the donation.

Why it matters

The First Lady's gown collection at the Smithsonian serves as a timeline of American history and fashion. Melania Trump's donation of her 2025 inaugural gown continues this tradition, preserving an important piece of history from her time as First Lady.

The details

Melania Trump's black and white ballgown, designed by Herve Pierre, featured a white dress with a black ribbon winding around it. Trump also donated a replica of the historic Harry Winston diamond broach she wore to the inaugural balls. The dress was a plot point in Trump's self-titled documentary, where she had fittings with Pierre and consulted on the design and fit.

  • Melania Trump donated the gown on February 20, 2026.
  • Trump wore the gown to the 2025 Presidential Inaugural Balls on January 20, 2025.

The players

Melania Trump

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

Herve Pierre

Melania Trump's longtime fashion collaborator, who designed her 2025 inaugural gown.

Lonnie Bunch III

The Secretary of the Smithsonian, who noted that the First Lady's gown collection is a timeline of American history and fashion.

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What they’re saying

“This is not a dress. This is more than 50 years of education, experience and wisdom realized with each thread, each stitch, each sharp edge.”

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

“We must take pride, not only in the small rituals of self care, but in the courageous act of self expression. Our outward appearance to the world, the art of presenting oneself can be cultivated over a lifetime.”

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

“In many ways, the First Lady's collection is as much a timeline of American history as it is a look in fashion.”

— Lonnie Bunch III, Smithsonian Secretary (nypost.com)

What’s next

The dress will go on immediate display in the First Lady's Exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, joining gowns from other former First Ladies.

The takeaway

Melania Trump's donation of her 2025 inaugural gown to the Smithsonian continues the tradition of preserving these important pieces of history and fashion, allowing the public to experience and learn from them for years to come.