President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring the Oval Office a national monument, intending to prevent future U.S. presidents from demolishing or altering this historic structure, while still allowing reasonable renovations and interior decorations. The move has sparked criticism over its apparent contradiction in preserving a historic building.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating the Oval Office inside the White House, along with some surrounding rooms, as a national monument to protect this historic site from major demolition or alterations by future presidents.
Trump said the Oval Office symbolizes the country and America’s greatness, adding that this order ensures no one can destroy or dismantle this place again.
However, the order specifies it does not restrict the president’s authority to redecorate, select furniture, or adjust operational and security systems as usual, provided these changes do not significantly affect the historic structure or architectural identity.
This move follows Trump’s major Oval Office renovation during his second presidential term, notably adding many gold elements. His White House renovation plans also include demolishing the entire East Wing to build a new large banquet hall, a project facing legal challenges and lacking Congressional approval, yet construction continues.
Trump emphasized the Oval Office as a national symbol and said before his renovations the building was in poor condition, with broken glass, cracked walls, and damaged stonework. Visible changes during his tenure include a large gold sign reading "Oval Office" outside the room, pouring concrete over the Rose Garden area, and constructing a new helicopter landing pad.
Currently, the entire White House is registered as a national historic landmark, but laws allow the president to modify parts of the building. Major projects require Congressional approval.
Cultural heritage legal experts say redecorating or changing furniture is at the president’s discretion if it does not harm permanent art or architecture. They criticized Trump’s order as contradictory since his administration was accused of attempting to weaken laws protecting other historic sites in Washington, D.C.
Additionally, Trump is advancing major landscaping projects in Washington, D.C., including renovating the Kennedy Center and plans to construct a new triumphal arch. Previously, he said the Oval Office might need to be rebuilt due to safety concerns.
Trump’s White House renovations have drawn Democratic criticism. Former President Barack Obama joked that the gold decor made the White House resemble a place where Saddam Hussein might have opened a cheesecake factory.
,BBC