Oval Office Becomes National Monument
President Trump signed a proclamation Thursday to protect White House interiors from future changes, a move he detailed in two consecutive days of public remarks following the midterm elections.
By Sanjay Caldwell ·
President Donald Trump signed a presidential proclamation on Thursday designating the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room as a national monument. The executive action aims to restrict future presidents from making structural or architectural changes to these specific spaces without congressional approval.
The signing ceremony took place in the Oval Office itself. Trump told reporters that the monument designation would prevent the rooms from being "taken down, destroyed, touched or anything else." He stated that any major modifications would require ratification by Congress, expressing his hope that legislators would be smart enough to block such changes.
This action follows a public appearance the previous day at the construction site for the new White House ballroom. That was Trump's first media interaction after Democrats secured control of Congress in the midterm elections. Despite the political shift, his remarks there focused on the ballroom project, which involves demolishing the historic East Wing. He described the White House as the ultimate symbol of America that must remain pristine and perfect.
The proclamation clarifies that future presidents can still redecorate the spaces or select furnishings. It also allows for ordinary operational and security modifications, provided they do not substantially impair the historic structure or architectural character of the monument. The White House has held National Historic Landmark status since 1960, but this new designation adds specific protections for the two key rooms.
When returning to the Oval Office last year, Trump redecorated the space with extensive gold accents. In discussing the new monument status, he cited his achievements in the room as victories, though he acknowledged there had been some mistakes without elaborating. He contrasted the frequent cosmetic updates of the Oval Office with the more controversial ballroom project, which has drawn criticism from preservation groups.
Asked about congressional priorities during the two months Republicans retain their majority, Trump referenced his border and stock market efforts. He called his first two years in office tremendous and stated that no previous president had accomplished more. His final campaign message on Monday also emphasized his renovation record, including the reopening of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool after delayed upgrades.
