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Trump designates Oval Office and Cabinet Room as national monument

US President Donald Trump has declared the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room a national monument to complicate renovations by future successors.

6 November 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Thursday declaring the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room in the White House a national monument. This is his first official action following the midterm elections, in which his party suffered significant losses.

By declaring the rooms a national monument, Trump aims to prevent future presidents from making substantial changes to the spaces he renovated. The walls of the Oval Office are adorned with gold ornaments, which have led to mockery and criticism, including from former President Barack Obama, who deemed the redesign too extravagant.

The proclamation not only protects the design but also the historic areas of the White House from the risk of demolition or major alterations. However, the decision leaves room for interpretation, as future presidents theoretically still have the option to change the decor within these rooms.

Trump has emphasized the Oval Office, which was renovated during his tenure, highlighting the gilding and the installation of sculptures like a golden bronze eagle depiction. He now aims to officially protect these redesigns, although it remains unclear whether the proclamation is legally binding.

Critics of the president argue that this initiative is a distraction from more pressing issues affecting voters. This viewpoint is supported by reports indicating that Trump is increasingly focusing on architectural projects while other important political matters fade into the background.

The Oval Office is one of the most recognizable spaces in the White House, and its redesign under Trump has sparked widespread debate. With his latest proclamation, the president seeks to ensure that his influence on the room is preserved in the long term, even if future officeholders may be able to overturn the proclamation.

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