Donald Trump takes steps to stop future presidents turning Oval Office into a square
Donald Trump has taken steps to stop future presidents from knocking down or changing the shape of the Oval Office.
Donald Trump has taken steps to stop future presidents from knocking down or changing the shape of the Oval Office.
The US president, 80, signed a proclamation at the White House on Thursday (05.11.26), declaring the famous room and the adjoining Cabinet Room part of a new national monument.
Trump joked that he wanted to prevent a future leader from turning the Oval Office into a square.
He told reporters: "So if they want to say 'let's not have Oval anymore, let's make it square,' what happens is they have to go back to Congress."
The president said he hoped lawmakers would reject any proposal to make such dramatic changes.
The proclamation also covers the Outer Oval Office and calls for greater protection of the historic rooms.
Although Trump claimed major alterations would require congressional approval, the document itself does not impose that requirement.
It instead directs officials to review proposed structural changes and consider alternatives before approving significant work.
Future presidents will still be allowed to redecorate the rooms and choose their own furniture.
Trump, who has filled the Oval Office with gold decorations, portraits and other ornaments since returning to power in January 2025, acknowledged that his successors could remove them.
He said: "They can do anything they want, as long as they do it carefully."
The move comes as the president continues making extensive changes to the White House, including demolishing the East Wing to make room for a new ballroom.
He has also paved over the Rose Garden and overseen renovations to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
Some of the projects have faced criticism and legal challenges.
During Thursday's signing ceremony, a red baseball cap bearing the word "VETO" sat on Trump's desk.
The announcement came two days after Republicans lost control of Congress in the midterm elections.
The Oval Office and Cabinet Room have occupied their current locations since the 1930s, and there have been no announced plans to demolish or substantially alter either space.
