President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at preventing future presidents from altering his redecorated Oval Office, which he has declared a national monument. The move comes after criticism of his lavish gold-themed overhaul of the historic space.
"We're making it a national monument, and it will not be allowed to be touched by anybody, destroyed, ripped down by stupid people, in order to build something in a slightly different shape," Trump stated, referencing the decor changes he personally funded and implemented.
The president's redecoration, which includes gold accents, cherubs, statues, and gold-framed presidential portraits, drew ridicule from some, including former President Barack Obama, who reportedly compared it to 'Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory.' Trump defended his choices, arguing that the room was in disrepair and he made it "more beautiful and in better shape."
Separately, a federal judge has issued a 14-day temporary restraining order halting construction on Trump's ambitious plan for a 250-foot "triumphal arch" in Washington D.C. The structure, dubbed the "Arc de Trump," was approved by the National Capital Planning Commission following a lengthy debate.
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, appointed by Obama, intervened just hours after the commission's vote. The project, estimated to cost around $100 million, faced opposition from Democrats and veterans who voiced concerns that it would obstruct views of Arlington National Cemetery.
White House officials criticized the judge's decision as coming from an "activist district court" and expressed confidence that the project would ultimately proceed, stating they "look forward to seeing the completion of this magnificent Arch."
Renderings of the proposed arch showed it towering over the Potomac River, topped with a golden winged Lady Liberty and two gold eagles. Inscriptions of "One Nation Under God" and "Liberty and Justice for All" were also part of the design. The monument was intended to serve as a complex for storing military equipment and potentially housing snipers and drone teams during major events.