U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order designating the Oval Office as a national monument, a measure intended to prevent 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 election defeat that handed control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate to Democrats.
Critics have accused the president of prioritizing construction work, such as the ongoing development of a new White House ballroom, over pressing public concerns regarding the ongoing war with Iran and the rising cost of living.
During remarks to reporters on Thursday, Trump showcased the newly protected spaces, which include the Oval Office and the adjoining Cabinet Room, both of which have been 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," Trump stated.
The designation aims to legally bar future occupants of the White House from undertaking structural modifications or remodeling work within the two rooms. The decision has also sparked speculation regarding potential further changes to the West Wing, following previous suggestions that the administration might relocate the nearby White House briefing room.
While the signing was not broadcast by major U.S. television networks compounded by the White House's ongoing exclusion of CNN from the presidential pool, Trump addressed the midterm electoral outcome by displaying a red baseball cap bearing the word "veto" on the Resolute Desk.
The 80-year-old president has vowed to utilize his executive veto power to block incoming Democratic-led legislation, while simultaneously expressing openness to bipartisan cooperation.
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