Melania Trump presented her 2025 inaugural ball gown to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History on Friday, adding to the first ladies' collection. The off-white silk crepe gown, trimmed with black silk gazar, was worn to the inaugural balls and paired with a 1955 diamond brooch by Harry Winston.
The donation marks the first time in over a century that a first lady has contributed two inaugural gowns to the collection, the last being Ida McKinley in 1897 and 1901. Mrs Trump is also the first non-consecutive first lady to donate a second gown.
In contrast to her husband's recent criticisms of the institution, Mrs Trump described the Smithsonian as 'an important cultural jewel' during the ceremony. President Donald Trump had previously labelled the museum complex 'out of control' and 'woke', and has pressured it to remove 'divisive narratives' from its displays.
Mrs Trump also used the occasion to promote her documentary Melania, saying the film shows 'what it took to bring this technical marvel to life'. The gown was designed by Hervé Pierre and features prominently in the documentary.
Smithsonian secretary Lonnie Bunch said: 'Each first lady reflects the time in which she served... each gown we have is a window on America.' He added that Mrs Trump's donation was 'a milestone in its own right'.
