President Donald Trump signed a proclamation Thursday designating the Oval Office, the outer Oval Office, and the Cabinet Room as a national monument. The move, made shortly after midterm election losses, aims to prevent future presidents from making significant changes to these spaces.
Trump stated that the designation would make the rooms "impossible to knock down and change in any meaningful way." He also indicated that "no major modification" would be permitted without congressional approval, adding that the proclamation would need to be sent to Congress for ratification.
The president described the Cabinet Room as "substantially upgraded" under his administration, noting the addition of new chandeliers. Regarding his own renovations, including gold accents in the Oval Office, Trump suggested that future leaders could alter them, but "very carefully."
This action follows Trump's extensive renovation projects at the White House, including the construction of a ballroom that involved tearing down the East Wing. He defended these projects by calling the White House "the ultimate symbol of America" and stating it "has got to be pristine."