Trump signs order preventing future presidents from changing Oval Office
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order designating the Oval Office as a national monument to prevent future presidents from making significant structural changes. The order allows for redecoration but restricts major architectural alterations.
Why it matters
This move sets a precedent for executive control over the White House's historic character, potentially limiting the autonomy of future administrations regarding the presidential workspace.
Image source, EPA By Max Matza Published 25 minutes ago US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that he says will prevent future presidents from making certain changes to the White House Oval Office.
Trump, a former real estate mogul, has altered the president's official office during his second term, most notably by adding many gold features to its walls.
"So we're making it a national monument, and it will not be allowed to be touched by anybody, destroyed, ripped down by stupid people, in order to build something in a slightly different shape," Trump told reporters on Thursday.
American presidents currently have the power to make some changes to the White House but large projects require the permission of Congress.
Thursday's executive order declares the Oval Office to be a national monument, along with some of its surrounding rooms.
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Donald Trump Declares Oval Office National Monument to Block Future Changes
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