In a move aimed at permanently preserving the aesthetic of the White House, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday designating the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room as national monuments. By granting these spaces protected status, the president intends to bar any future administrations from renovating or altering the rooms, describing the measure as a way to ensure the current design remains untouched forever. This decision follows a period where the president has heavily decorated the executive workspace with gold ornaments, marking a continuation of his focus on physical renovations within the capital.

The timing of this announcement has drawn sharp criticism from political opponents, who argue that the president is prioritizing interior design over urgent national issues following a difficult midterm election cycle. While Democrats secured victories in Congress, the administration has appeared largely indifferent to the results, instead turning its attention to ongoing construction projects. Observers also speculate that this move may be a precursor to further shuffling within the West Wing, particularly regarding the status of the White House press briefing room, as the administration maintains a tense relationship with major news networks.