Trump Designates the Oval Office as a National Monument

President Donald Trump, two days after a major electoral setback, signed an executive order on Thursday to declare the Oval Office a national monument. The midterm elections had shown widespread disapproval of his policies across the country.

Trump has made significant renovations to the Oval Office, adorning it with gold accents, some of which he applied personally. His aim is to safeguard the space from future alterations by what he described as “stupid people.” He stated, according to The Associated Press, “If anybody ever decides to come and start knocking down walls, you call me wherever I may be, and I’ll come back here and I’ll make sure it never happens.”

The proclamation occurred on November 5, 2026, and was captured by Jim Lo Scalzo via EPA/Bloomberg/Getty Images. Although the directive does not forbid changes in decor or furniture, it aims to prevent structural alterations similar to those Trump executed on the East Wing.

This proclamation can likely be overturned by any future president. It outlines a process required to approve any substantial alterations or demolition of the Oval Office, Outer Oval Office, and Cabinet Room.

Critics have pointed out its ineffectual nature, citing the existing status of the White House as a national historic landmark, which didn’t stop Trump’s previous modifications. Critics argue that this action contrasts with the electorate’s priorities, which were expressed during the recent elections. Voters indicated the need for the president to tackle issues like price inflation, military actions in Iran, and trade tariffs.

On social media, individuals have expressed their discontent. One user commented about future changes, “He can sign what he likes, the next president is going to de-Cheesecake Factorize that gold gild abomination inside the Oval Office.” Another remarked on his actions, “He demolished the East Wing, covered the Oval Office in gold, and now he’s giving lectures about historic preservation.”

Reactions included strong language regarding the room’s decoration with statements like, “That over-the-top gilding makes the Oval Office look like a whorehouse. No offense to sex workers.”