By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/melania-trump-to-donate-2025-inaugural-ball-gown-to-the-smithsonian Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Melania Trump to donate 2025 inaugural ball gown to the Smithsonian Politics Feb 18, 2026 10:32 AM EDT First lady Melania Trump will donate her 2025 inaugural ball gown to the Smithsonian on Friday The strapless black-and-white gown was designed by her longtime fashion designer and stylist, Herve Pierre, who is seen sketching it for the first lady and fitting her in it in "Melania," her recently released documentary. READ MORE: Smithsonian pressured to show Trump its plans for exhibits for America's 250th birthday Trump is donating the gown to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History, according to a media advisory issued by the White House. The museum has a popular exhibit on first ladies that features more than two dozen of their gowns. It will be Trump's second donation to the exhibit. In 2017, she handed over the vanilla off-the-shoulder gown she wore to that year's inaugural balls, which also was designed by Pierre. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
First lady Melania Trump will donate her 2025 inaugural ball gown to the Smithsonian on Friday The strapless black-and-white gown was designed by her longtime fashion designer and stylist, Herve Pierre, who is seen sketching it for the first lady and fitting her in it in "Melania," her recently released documentary. READ MORE: Smithsonian pressured to show Trump its plans for exhibits for America's 250th birthday Trump is donating the gown to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History, according to a media advisory issued by the White House. The museum has a popular exhibit on first ladies that features more than two dozen of their gowns. It will be Trump's second donation to the exhibit. In 2017, she handed over the vanilla off-the-shoulder gown she wore to that year's inaugural balls, which also was designed by Pierre. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now