Trump signs executive order declaring Oval Office a national monument

United States President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday declaring the Oval Office a national monument to prevent future presidents from making alterations to the space. BBC News and UPI both reported that Trump signed the proclamation during a ceremony in the Oval Office. According to UPI, the proclamation also applies to the Cabinet Room. [1][2][7]

Trump told reporters on Thursday that the action would make the spaces a landmark for the ages and prevent them from being altered or torn down by future administrations. BBC News noted that Trump, a former real estate mogul, drastically altered the official office during his second term by adding many gold features. UPI and BBC News reported that Trump also demolished the historic East Wing of the White House to construct a ballroom. [1][2][7]

The Oval Office serves as the formal working space of the president of the United States and is located in the West Wing of the White House in Washington, D.C. James Hoban designed the original White House layout, which was approved in 1792. Trump began his second term as the 47th U.S. president on January 20, 2025, following his victory in the 2024 presidential election. [11][12][13]

While Trump said the designation aims to preserve the room, AP News reported that future presidents can still redecorate the space. [4]