Trump signs executive action declaring Oval Office a national monument

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday designating the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room of the White House as national monuments, according to The Independent, Politico, and The Hill. The Independent, Newsday, and CNN reported that the action is intended to prevent future presidents from making changes to the renovated rooms. [1][3][4][6][8]

Speaking during a ceremony on Thursday afternoon, President Trump stated that Congress would need to ratify the proclamation to ensure the spaces cannot be modified without legislative approval, as reported by The Independent and The Hill. According to The Hill, President Trump noted that no major modifications would be permitted without congressional permission. [1][4][5]

The Independent reported that President Trump signed the measure after refurbishing the Oval Office with gold adornments. The action occurred two days after Republicans experienced mid-term election losses, according to the same outlet. The Independent also noted that former President Barack Obama had previously criticized the White House renovations. [1]

The Oval Office functions as the formal working space of the president of the United States and is located in the West Wing of the White House, according to Wikipedia. As FTMQ Politics reported earlier, the White House has served as the official workplace and residence for U.S. presidents since 1800, and construction on a new East Wing containing a State Ballroom began in September 2025. [12][15]