Trump Signs Order Designating the Oval Office as a National Monument to Prevent Future Presidential Changes - Thairath English
President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring the Oval Office a national monument, aiming to prevent future U.S. presidents from demolishing or altering this historic structure, while still allowing for appropriate renovations and decorations. This move has sparked criticism over the apparent contradiction in preserving a historic building.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring the Oval Office within the White House, along with some surrounding rooms, as a national monument to protect this important historic site from major demolition or alterations by future presidents.
Trump said the Oval Office symbolizes the nation and America's greatness, adding that the order will ensure no one can destroy or dismantle this site again.
However, the order states it does not restrict the president’s authority to redecorate, select furniture, or adjust operational and security systems normally, as long as such changes do not significantly affect the historic structure or architectural identity.
This action follows Trump's major renovations of the Oval Office during his second presidential term, notably adding many gold elements. The White House renovation project also includes plans to demolish the entire East Wing to build a new large banquet hall, a plan facing legal challenges and lacking Congressional approval, though construction continues.
Trump emphasized that the Oval Office is a national symbol, and before his renovations, the building was deteriorating with broken glass, cracked walls, and damaged stonework. Visible changes under his administration include installing a large gold "Oval Office" sign outside, concreting over the Rose Garden area, and constructing a new helicopter landing pad.
Currently, the entire White House is already registered as a national historic landmark, but laws allow the president to modify parts of the building, with major projects requiring Congressional approval.
Cultural heritage law experts say that redecorating or changing furniture is at the president's discretion if it does not harm permanent art and architecture. They criticize Trump's order as contradictory, noting his administration has been accused of trying to weaken laws protecting other historic sites in Washington, D.C.
Additionally, Trump is advancing large-scale landscaping projects in Washington, D.C., including renovations to the Kennedy Center and plans to build a new triumphal arch. Previously, he mentioned the Oval Office might need to be rebuilt for safety reasons.
Trump's White House renovation has also drawn criticism from Democrats. Former President Barack Obama joked that the gold decorations made the White House look like a place where Saddam Hussein might have opened a cheesecake factory.
