President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Thursday designating the Oval Office, the Outer Oval Office, and the Cabinet Room as a national monument and federal landmark. The move is intended to preserve these spaces and prevent future administrations from altering them.
"It won't be able to be taken down, destroyed, touched or anything else," Trump stated from the Oval Office. "When completed … it'll make it impossible for anybody ever to destroy this incredible space."
The announcement follows the recent midterm elections, where Democrats gained control of Congress. This proclamation is part of a series of post-election public appearances by Trump highlighting White House construction initiatives. Earlier in the week, he discussed planned updates to the Reflecting Pool and held a press briefing at the construction site of a new White House ballroom.
Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has focused on several architectural and cultural projects, including proposals for a 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery and restructuring the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The White House has been contacted for comment.