Trump Signs Order Preventing Future Presidents from Renovating Oval Office
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order designating the White House Oval Office as a national monument, a move intended to prevent future administrations from demolishing or significantly altering the historic space.
Trump signed the order on Thursday, declaring that the designation would preserve the Oval Office and the adjoining Cabinet Room against future structural changes.
Speaking to reporters during the signing, the president said the measure would ensure that the rooms remained protected regardless of who occupies the White House in the future.
“It won’t be able to be taken down, destroyed, touched, or anything else. It’s called actually a national monument,” Trump said.
He added that the proclamation would “make it impossible for anybody ever to destroy this incredible space.”
The announcement comes amid criticism of Trump’s attention to White House renovation projects following a significant setback for his Republican Party in the November 3 midterm elections, in which Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress.
Critics have accused the president of focusing excessively on construction and beautification projects in Washington while voters remain concerned about issues such as the cost of living and the US military involvement in the Iran war.
On Wednesday, a day after the election results, Trump drew attention to construction work on a new White House ballroom rather than extensively addressing the Republican Party’s losses.
Thursday’s announcement shifted attention to the Oval Office, which Trump has extensively redecorated since returning to the White House, incorporating numerous gold-coloured ornaments and decorative features.
The latest move has also generated speculation about possible changes to other parts of the West Wing. Trump has previously made remarks suggesting that reporters could be moved from the White House briefing room located near the Oval Office.
The signing ceremony was not broadcast by major American television networks, following Trump’s decision to exclude CNN from the rotating group of television outlets responsible for covering White House events.
However, the president made a reference to the midterm elections during the event, placing a red baseball cap bearing the word “veto” on the Resolute Desk.
Trump has threatened to use his presidential authority to block legislation introduced by Democrats, although he has also expressed willingness to cooperate with the opposition party on certain issues.
