United States President Donald Trump has signed an executive order designating the White House Oval Office as a national monument, saying the move will protect the historic space from major alterations by future presidents.
Trump announced the decision on Thursday, explaining that the order was intended to prevent anyone from demolishing or substantially changing the office’s structure. He described the Oval Office as an important national symbol, adding that several world leaders who had visited the White House had praised its recent renovations. The executive order directs the National Park Service to maintain the office in a way that preserves its historical significance, architectural design and connection to the US presidency.
However, the document allows future presidents to make ordinary changes to furnishings, decorations and security arrangements, provided they do not significantly damage the office’s historic structure or architectural character. It remains unclear whether the designation could prevent a future president from making major changes or whether the order could be overturned through legal action.
The White House is already recognised as a National Historic Landmark, although US presidents retain certain powers to modify the building. Major construction projects generally require congressional approval.
Trump said the Oval Office had been in poor condition before his renovation, citing damaged windows, cracked walls and broken stonework. Some of his changes have also been largely decorative, including gold features and a plaque bearing the office’s name. The order comes months after Trump demolished the White House East Wing to make way for a proposed ballroom project. The construction has faced legal challenges and proceeded without congressional approval.
Under the new directive, the National Park Service is expected to oversee the Oval Office’s preservation as a distinct historic structure of national importance. The current Oval Office was established in the early 1930s during the administration of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Greg Werkheiser, a historic preservation specialist with Cultural Heritage Partners, said presidents generally have the authority to change furniture and decorations as long as permanent artwork and architectural features are not damaged.
However, he criticized the Trump administration’s approach to historic preservation, describing the new order as inconsistent with its actions involving other historic sites in Washington. Werkheiser argued that the president’s efforts to protect the Oval Office were difficult to reconcile with other proposed projects, including a triumphal arch and renovations at the Kennedy Center. A federal judge has temporarily halted the proposed triumphal arch project.
Trump’s announcement also follows an earlier interview in which he suggested that security concerns raised by the US Secret Service could eventually require the Oval Office to be demolished and rebuilt. His renovation projects have attracted criticism from Democrats, particularly during the recent midterm election campaign. Former President Barack Obama also criticized the extensive gold decorations introduced under Trump’s redesign.
Trump has signed an executive order designating the Oval Office as a national monument, saying it will protect the room’s historic structure from major changes. However, questions remain over whether the order can legally prevent future presidents from altering the office.
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