Washington: Donald Trump, the US President has signed an executive order declaring the Oval Office a national monument in an effort to prevent future presidents from making substantial changes to its historic structure and architectural character.
Trump announced the measure on November 5, saying the designation would protect the office from being demolished or significantly altered by future administrations. The order also covers some surrounding rooms and describes the Oval Office as a national symbol. It calls for its historic features to be preserved while allowing the president to change decorations and furnishings or make routine operational and security adjustments.
The order directs the National Park Service (NPS) to maintain the designated areas and safeguard their architectural integrity and connection to the presidency. US presidents traditionally had the authority to make changes to the White House, although major construction projects require congressional approval.
SIGNED: Designating the Oval Office as a National Monument, protecting the historic office for good. 🇺🇸 https://t.co/x10uKg1AUe
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 6, 2026
The White House is already designated a National Historic Landmark, a status intended to protect the building from sudden or inappropriate alterations. However, Trump’s proclamation argues that the Oval Office deserves separate recognition because of its national and historical significance. Congress also created an exemption to the National Historic Preservation Act, allowing presidents to make necessary changes to the building.
The current Oval Office dates back to the early 1930s, when Franklin D. Roosevelt, former US President oversaw its creation. During Trump’s second term, the president introduces several decorative changes, including extensive gold features on the walls. The executive order comes as a wider beautification programme across Washington, with Trump highlighting construction and renovation projects at several events during the past week.
The move draws criticism over the contrast between Trump’s call to preserve the Oval Office and changes to other historic sites. Critics have questioned whether the order can prevent future presidents from exercising their existing authority and argued that Trump’s approach to historic preservation is inconsistent. The debate also raises questions about the legal effect of declaring part of the White House a national monument.
Barack Obama, Former President criticised the extensive gold decoration, comparing the White House’s appearance to a lavish commercial interior associated with Saddam Hussein, former Iraqi leader. The criticism came as Democrats made gains against Trump’s Republican Party in the midterm elections. The order adds another layer of recognition to the Oval Office’s historic status, while leaving the president with authority to make certain decorative and operational changes.
