Trump Declares Oval Office a National Monument, But Future Presidents Can Still Redecorate

US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation declaring the Oval Office and Cabinet Room national monuments, seeking to protect the historic White House spaces from major structural changes by future administrations. However, the order does not prevent his successors from redecorating the rooms or reversing the designation.

Trump signed the proclamation on Thursday, describing the Oval Office as an important national symbol that must be preserved for future generations. The move was his first official action after Republicans suffered defeats in key races in Tuesday’s midterm elections.

“It will not be allowed to be touched by anybody, destroyed, ripped down by stupid people, in order to build something in a slightly different shape,” Trump said.

The proclamation directs the Interior Secretary to oversee the monument and requires documentation, review and consideration of alternatives before any action that would substantially alter or demolish its historic structure or architectural character.

However, it explicitly allows future presidents to change furnishings, redecorate the rooms and make routine operational and security modifications. It also does not prevent a successor from withdrawing the designation.

Trump suggested that major structural changes, such as converting the Oval Office into a square-shaped room, would require congressional approval. However, the proclamation does not specifically mention such a requirement.

The move comes amid controversy over Trump’s extensive White House renovation projects. Since returning to office, he has added gold decorations, gold-framed portraits, chandeliers and other furnishings to the Oval Office. He has also overseen the demolition of the East Wing to make way for an elaborate ballroom, a project facing legal challenges over approval requirements.

Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal has written to donors who contributed to the ballroom project, demanding information about their contributions and warning of further measures if they fail to cooperate.

Trump said he would personally intervene if any future administration attempted to dismantle the Oval Office.