Trump signs proclamation to shield Oval Office and Cabinet Room from future changes

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Thursday designating the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room as a national monument. The action is intended to prevent future presidents from making substantial alterations to the two rooms without congressional approval.

The signing took place in the Oval Office. Trump told reporters that the designation would protect the spaces from being taken down, destroyed, or touched. He stated that any major modifications would require ratification by Congress. Trump expressed hope that members of Congress would be smart enough not to allow significant changes.

This announcement came two days after Republicans lost control of Congress in the midterm elections. Trump has spoken publicly twice since the vote. Both appearances focused on physical changes at the White House. On Wednesday, he addressed reporters at the construction site for the new White House ballroom. He described the White House as the ultimate symbol of America and said it must remain pristine and perfect.

The new proclamation adds a layer of protection to the Oval Office and Cabinet Room. The White House has been a U.S. National Historic Landmark since 1960. The document notes that the Oval Office merits specific recognition as a discrete historic structure of national significance. Unlike the ballroom project, which involved demolishing the historic East Wing, the Oval Office often undergoes cosmetic changes with each administration.

Trump redecorated the Oval Office with gold accents when he returned to office last year. The proclamation allows future presidents to redecorate and select furnishings. It also permits ordinary operational and security modifications. These changes are allowed as long as they do not substantially impair the historic structure or architectural character of the rooms.

During the signing ceremony, Trump referred to his achievements in the Oval Office. He mentioned some mistakes but did not elaborate. When asked about congressional priorities for the remaining two months of the Republican majority, Trump focused on his own record. He cited his work on the border and the stock market, calling it a tremendous two years.

Trump’s final campaign speech on Monday also centered on renovation efforts. The speech was held at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The pool has been closed since July due to renovation issues. Trump spent most of his remarks touting the pool’s reopening and other upgrade projects around Washington.