Trump takes action to make sure the Oval Office stays oval

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Thursday to safeguard two historic rooms within the White House - the Oval Office and Cabinet Room - from potential modifications by future administrations. The Oval Office and Cabinet Room, which have served as venues for significant domestic and international proceedings since the 1930s, are slated to become a national monument, marking their place in American history.

The White House is already classified as a national historic landmark, but the proclamation aims to provide specific recognition and management for these discrete historic structures of national significance.

Though it is unclear why Trump decided to pursue this protective measure, he emphasized that the Oval Office's status would require congressional approval. Should Congress decide to alter the Oval Office's shape, for instance, turning it into a square, the process would necessitate a return to Congress and ideally, their wise decision to prevent such a change.

This action is particularly noteworthy given the recent midterm elections, which resulted in Democrats gaining control of Congress, thereby limiting Trump's legislative influence in the final years of his presidency.

Since his return to the White House in January 2025, Trump has undertaken various transformations within the presidential residence, including installing gold accents, erecting a ballroom, and repaving the Rose Garden. However, his modifications have been met with opposition, and some have even led to court challenges. Environmental organizations expressed disapproval of Trump's actions in July when he reduced the size of two national monuments in southern Utah by more than 90%, allowing for activities such as grazing, motorized recreation, and logging.

Trump's proclamation, which marked his third promotion of pet projects in a single week, underscored the historical importance of the Oval Office and Cabinet Room. Both locations have remained unchanged since the 1930s, serving as sites for major meetings and events. In a strategic move acknowledging the impending change in congressional control, a red "VETO" hat sat on Trump's desk during the signing ceremony.

When reporters inquired about whether future presidents could remove Trump's gold decorations, he responded that they could do so as long as they did so carefully.