Melania Trump Donates 2025 Inaugural Gown To Smithsonian
The strapless white-and-black 2025 inaugural gown by Hervé Pierre joined the First Ladies Collection at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
Overview
On February 20, 2026, First Lady Melania Trump donated her strapless white, black-trimmed 2025 inaugural gown to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History for the First Ladies Gallery.
The donation makes her the first non-consecutive first lady to donate an inaugural gown twice and only the second first lady to have two inaugural gowns in the collection, museum officials said.
Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch and museum director Anthea Hartig spoke at the presentation, and Melania Trump described the gown as "more than 50 years of education, experience, and wisdom," according to her remarks.
The First Ladies Collection, established in 1912, contains about 1,000 objects and the Smithsonian operates 21 museums and a zoo, officials said.
After a short program the mannequin was moved into the exhibit with a reproduction of the 1955 Harry Winston diamond brooch she wore as a choker, and the museum reopened to the public that afternoon.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this story neutrally, focusing on factual reporting and direct quotes. Coverage centers on the donation, descriptive details of the gown, and Melania Trump’s remarks, with minimal editorializing. The article privileges primary-source quotes and straightforward museum context rather than interpretive or partisan framing.
Sources (4)
FAQ
The gown was designed by Hervé Pierre, her longtime stylist who also designed her 2017 inaugural gown.
She is the first non-consecutive first lady to donate an inaugural gown twice and only the second first lady to have two inaugural gowns in the Smithsonian's collection, after Ida McKinley.
She described it as 'more than 50 years of education, experience, and wisdom realized with each thread, each stitch,' symbolizing her life experiences, American fashion leadership, and a modern, bold silhouette.
A black neckpiece adorned with a reproduction of a 1955 Harry Winston diamond brooch that she wore as a choker on inauguration night.
Visitors can view the gown in the First Ladies exhibition at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with free admission, starting the afternoon of February 20, 2026.
History
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