By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-first-lady-melania-trump-donates-2025-inaugural-ball-gown-to-the-smithsonian Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: First lady Melania Trump donates 2025 inaugural ball gown to the Smithsonian Politics Feb 20, 2026 11:00 AM EDT First lady Melania Trump donated her 2025 inaugural gown to the Smithsonian on Friday. Watch in our video player above. Asked how it felt to see the strapless white and black-trimmed gown and matching black bejeweled neckpiece added to the National Museum of American History's first ladies exhibit, Melania Trump said, "It's incredible. It's a historic moment." READ MORE: Melania Trump to donate 2025 inaugural ball gown to the Smithsonian It's the second inaugural gown she has donated to the exhibit. She also donated her 2017 inaugural gown. The gown was set to go on public display starting Friday afternoon. 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 donated her 2025 inaugural gown to the Smithsonian on Friday. Watch in our video player above. Asked how it felt to see the strapless white and black-trimmed gown and matching black bejeweled neckpiece added to the National Museum of American History's first ladies exhibit, Melania Trump said, "It's incredible. It's a historic moment." READ MORE: Melania Trump to donate 2025 inaugural ball gown to the Smithsonian It's the second inaugural gown she has donated to the exhibit. She also donated her 2017 inaugural gown. The gown was set to go on public display starting Friday afternoon. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now