Donald Trump has taken another step to preserve his controversial White House renovations. He signed a proclamation he claims will prevent future presidents from changing the design of the Oval Office and Cabinet Room, according to The Guardian.
The president signed the document, declaring the two West Wing spaces national monuments that should be protected from future alterations. Sitting behind the Resolute Desk in the heavily redecorated Oval Office, Trump told reporters he wanted to ensure his work would remain untouched long after he leaves office. “I’m going to be signing a document which will make them into a landmark for the ages,” he announced.
Trump argued that future administrations should not be allowed to tear down walls, replace features, or change the rooms simply because they prefer a different design. He also warned that he would personally intervene if anyone attempted to undo his renovations. “If anyone ever decides to come and start knocking down walls, you’ll call me wherever I may be, and I will come back here and I will make sure it never happens,” he said.
Trump defends his renovation projects
The proclamation comes after Trump suffered significant political setbacks in the midterm elections, with Democrats making major gains and securing control of Congress. Since then, the president has seemingly shifted his attention toward several ambitious renovation projects across Washington.
His most prominent undertaking is the demolition of the White House East Wing to make room for a proposed $600 million ballroom. He has also overseen the construction of a permanent granite helipad on the South Lawn, as mentioned in one of his appearances.
Trump defended the broader renovation work, arguing that parts of the White House had deteriorated after years of neglect. He pointed to damaged stonework, cracked windows, and broken decorative features, claiming he had personally funded repairs and brought in skilled workers to restore the building.
His redesign of the Oval Office has also attracted criticism, particularly over its extensive gold decorations. Former President Barack Obama recently mocked the changes, joking that Trump had made the White House look like “Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory.”
There was another political message on display during Trump’s proclamation signing. A red baseball cap bearing the word “Veto” sat on the desk beside him, seemingly reinforcing his threat to block legislation passed by the incoming Democratic-controlled Congress.
Trump has repeatedly highlighted his renovation projects in recent days, including a $14 million refurbishment of the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool. He previously blamed former President Joe Biden for the algae and dirt that had accumulated in the water.
Published: Nov 6, 2026 10:45 am