Melania Trump donates her white and black-trimmed inaugural ball gown to the Smithsonian

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Melania Trump said “it’s incredible” to see her white and black-trimmed inaugural ball gown on display at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History.

It’s the second inaugural gown she has turned over to the First Ladies Collection at the museum, following the donation of her 2017 gown.

On Friday, Melania Trump continued the long-standing tradition of first ladies donating their inaugural gowns when she handed over the strapless white and black-trimmed sheath and a black neckpiece adorned with a reproduction of a Harry Winston diamond brooch she wore on the night of Jan. 20, 2025. The ensemble was on display on a mannequin on stage.