Bank collapse takes down a president and Trump ally in Paraguay

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Thursday aimed at safeguarding the Oval Office and Cabinet Room within the White House, preventing future administrations from making major changes to these historic spaces. The proclamation marks the first step towards potentially designating the West Wing structures as a national monument, highlighting their significance in American history.

While the White House has already been recognized as a national historic landmark, Trump contends that the Oval Office and Cabinet Room merit separate recognition and management as distinct historic structures of national importance. The proclamation will require congressional approval, and if enacted, any attempts to alter the Oval Office's oval shape or rename it would necessitate congressional action.

This move came two days after midterm elections that resulted in Republicans losing control of Congress, diminishing Trump's legislative influence in his final years in office. Since assuming the presidency in January 2025, Trump has undertaken various modifications to the White House, including gold accents in the Oval Office, altering the Rose Garden, demolishing part of the East Wing to create a ballroom, resurfacing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, and more.

These changes have encountered opposition and, in some instances, faced legal challenges. However, none of these actions have dissuaded Trump thus far. Environmental groups criticized Trump after signing orders in July to reduce the size of two national monuments in southern Utah by over 90 percent, paving the way for grazing, motorized recreation, logging, and other resource development.

Trump's signing ceremony on Thursday marked the third time in a week that he has championed his pet projects. On Monday, during his closing argument to voters ahead of the midterm elections, he unveiled his refurbished Reflecting Pool. On Wednesday, the day after the Republicans' electoral defeat, he provided reporters with a tour of the ballroom construction.

Trump emphasized the historical significance of the Oval Office and Cabinet Room, noting that these locations have served as venues for major domestic and international meetings since the 1930s. During the signing of the proclamation, a red hat with the word "VETO" was placed on Trump's desk, a reminder of his intention to prevent any alterations to the Oval Office.

When reporters inquired whether future presidents would be allowed to remove Trump's gold decorations, Trump responded, "They can do anything they want, as long as they do it carefully."