US President Donald Trump has signed an executive
order designating the Oval Office as a national monument, a measure meant to
stop future administrations from altering or demolishing the historic space.
Trump signed the proclamation on Thursday, November 5,
continuing his focus on extensive White House renovation projects despite his
Republican Party suffering a major midterm defeat that handed control of both
the House of Representatives and the Senate to Democrats. Critics have accused
him of prioritising construction work, such as the ongoing development of a new
White House ballroom, over pressing public concerns, including the war with
Iran and the rising cost of living.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Trump showed off
the newly protected spaces, which include the Oval Office and the adjoining
Cabinet Room, both heavily decorated with gold ornaments since his return to
office. "It won't be able to be taken down, touched, or anything else.
It's called actually a national monument," he said.
The designation is intended to legally bar future
occupants of the White House from making structural changes or remodelling the
two rooms. It has also fuelled speculation about further changes to the West
Wing, following earlier suggestions that the administration might relocate the
nearby White House briefing room.
The signing was not broadcast by the major US
television networks, and the White House continues to exclude CNN from the
presidential pool. Addressing the midterm outcome, Trump displayed a red
baseball cap bearing the word "veto" on the Resolute Desk. The
80-year-old president has vowed to use his veto power to block incoming
Democratic-led legislation, while also saying he is open to bipartisan
cooperation.
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