and it has to use the tactic of disruption. the american people are drunk with apathy. on sunday at 7:00, we talk with diane walker. acceptlt that i should their offers to be behind-the-scenes. every time they offered it because anytime you see the president of the united states behind-the-scenes, you learn something about the president and you see something. and it is important. i can be there for you. you cannot be there. everything i see is important. >> american history tv all weekend every weekend only on c-span3. >> this morning, first lady melania trump was at the smithsonian national museum of

american history to donate her inaugural gown. the dress will now be on display in the first lady's exhibit. >> ladies and gentlemen, please welcome mr. john gray, director of the smithsonian national museum of american history. [applause] >> the 13th secretary of the smithsonian institution, dr. david skorton. [applause] >> and the first lady of the united states, mrs. melania trump. [applause]

>> good morning and welcome. i am john gray. i have the privilege of being your director of your natural museum of american history. we are honored to extend a special welcome to first lady trump. it is a thrill to have you with us, and we are privileged to have this donation ceremony in our flag hall. the secretary of the smithsonian and the designer of the dress. to our board chair, many members of our board who are with us, and all of our distinguished guests, we welcome you and thank you for your support. millions of americans, and so

many visitors from every corner of the world, walk through our first ladies gallery each year. they experience not only the importance, grandeur, and elegance of the first lady, but reflect on how in our american democracy transitions of power are celebrated peacefully. exhibitions and collections like the one that will house mrs. trump's gown require this skill and passion of our staff at the national museum of american history. they create with the public sees and loves, creating the transformative experience that only history can offer. we thank all of the staff who has worked on this. behind us is the hallowed star-spangled banner, preserved for future generations with our stories of america. to our right is the iconic statue of george washington offering his sword and the power it represents back to the people.

these two national treasures remind us of our responsibility to foster the strongest and most vibrant democracy. later this morning, mrs. trump's inaugural gown, our newest national treasure will , be installed in the first ladies exhibition, another beautiful symbol of the enduring power of our democracy. mrs. trump it is a tremendous , honor to have you and your guests join with the smithsonian in a tradition that goes back more than 100 years, the presentation of the first lady's inaugural gown to the smithsonian's national collection. and we thank you. [applause] >> here at the national museum, we preserve a collection of national treasures on the behalf of the american people to

demonstrate the power of american history to help us make sense of the past and shape a more humane future. we are working to bring the nation together around those fundamental american ideals like freedom, opportunity, and democracy that join us as a people. mrs. trump, we are grateful to you for entrusting us with this magnificent gown. we assure you it will be cared for with the same spirit and attention as all of our national treasures. in a few when the gallery hours reopens to the public, the nation and the world will share this moment forever. it is my pleasure to introduce the 13th secretary of the smithsonian, who embodies so many fundamental american ideas.

a first-generation american, cardiologist, flautist, champion of arts and humanities, and an advocate for the most important issues of our time. [applause] >> thank you, john. thank you everyone for joining us. mrs. trump, thank you for donating this and being part of the smithsonian. thank you. distinguished guests, welcome to the national museum of american history on the national mall of the united states. this museum has been collecting gowns for the first ladies collection for more than a century. it is, and remains, one of the most popular exhibitions. on behalf of the smithsonian, i want to thank you for your generosity in allowing us to add to this collection. again, my thanks and admiration to you, mr. pierre, for the

collaborating on the design of this beautiful gallon. since its opening in 1964, this museum has embodied the smithsonian's dedication to american history. we told the story through the words and actions of people both famous and obscure. , we inspire students through educational programs that reach them in our museums, their homes, and classrooms across the nation. objects and artifacts help put that history into sharp focus. this gown is the height of fashion, something that pleases us aesthetically with its beauty, craftsmanship, and elegance. the aesthetics that drive artistic endeavor captive us. -- captivate us. it is a uniquely human response.

designer prada said fashion is instant language. gowns certainly speak to us, telling us much about the accomplished women who wore them. each first lady left a mark on the white house and this nation. now mrs. trump's inaugural gown will take its rightful place among the collection that includes martha washington's pink gown, michelle obama's white gown, and many others. because this is an inaugural gown, it helps underscore our values as a nation. this gown is emblematic of the peaceful transition of power that is the hallmark of this democracy. it reminds us that our ideals still resonate over 200 years later.

that for all of our flaws this nation is founded on a government by the people, for the people, and will endure. thanks to the administration, congress, and everyone here at the national museum of american history for helping us in our mission to educate and inspire. now it is my honor to ask you to join me in welcoming the first lady of the united states, melania trump. [applause] mrs. trump: thank you so much. thank you for your warm welcome. it is an honor to be here today. i want to start by thanking director gray and the secretary for the wonderful introduction.

the staff here and the smithsonian has been a true pleasure to work with. thank you for everything that you do to preserve part of our nation's history. as historians and curators, you have such an important role on behalf of our country. while i may be the one on stage, i want to take a moment to introduce you to the person behind my gorgeous couture piece. the designer, mr. pierre. thank you. please, stand up. [applause] mrs. trump: thank you for all you did to create such a wonderful piece. you are a true artist and a real professional. as most of you know, before being elected president, my husband was never in politics. you can imagine after he won, we

were very busy with all that goes into preparing for a new administration and all of the changes that we, as a family, would be facing. to be honest, what i would wear to the inaugural ball was the last thing on my mind. in fact by the time i got around , to thinking about my choice, he was only given two weeks to design and produce this piece. we had never worked together before, but i knew of his stellar reputation and wanted to work with someone who would do more than just design a dress. i wanted someone who would be willing to collaborate with me. and has exceeded my expectations. i have had a passion for design

from a very young age and had a very precise idea of what i wanted for such a historic evening. when sitting down to discuss my vision, i expressed a desire for modern, sleek lines and an unexpected look. it can be a daunting task to choose an outfit that will the mesmerizing and become part of our nation's story and history. i was so pleased with our end result. it is now my hope that this piece is one of the many great beginnings of our family and history here in washington, d.c. the president, baron, and i love living here, and we are honored to represent this country. the smithsonian has the unique on her inability to freeze time

and tell future generations the story of our nation's history. i am so honored and grateful to become part of this history, and thank you all for being here with me today. god bless you, and god bless the united states of america. thank you. [applause]

>> white house press secretary sarah sanders talked about the first lady's visit to the smithsonian during the white house press briefing. she also addressed comments made by white house chief of staff john kelly accusing florida representative frederica wilson taking credit for funding and fbi building -- an