Full Breakdown
Trump Rejects Secret Service Plan to Demolish the Oval Office and Highlights White House Renovations
By Drooid · · How we work
The Oval Office Decision
President Donald J. Trump told Time magazine that Secret Service agents suggested tearing down the historic Oval Office and rebuilding it. “I’ve been asking Susie for six months to give me a statement. Will we save this room? Will we make it a federal landmark?” — President Trump
Renovation Highlights
Since beginning his second term, Trump has overseen extensive changes to the White House complex:
- The Oval Office was gilded with gold appliqués, frames, crown-molding trim, and a gold-painted presidential seal on the ceiling; a gold-lettered sign reading “The Oval Office” now hangs outside the door.
- The East Wing was replaced with a 90,000-square-foot ballroom.
- The Rose Garden was paved over and re-configured with tables, chairs, and new stone pavers.
- The Palm Room, West Wing Walkway, and Colonnade received dark-granite flooring and gold-framed presidential photographs.
- Flags were added to the North and South lawns, and a helipad was constructed.
Landmark Ambitions
Trump said he has been asking Chief of Staff Susie Wiles for six months to obtain a statement on whether the Oval Office could be designated a federal landmark. He indicated that such a designation would help preserve the room from future alterations.
Official Statements & Responses
- Trump’s position: The president rejected the Secret Service’s demolition proposal, calling the Oval Office “a special place” that should remain intact. “So the White House is a very special symbol. It's a symbol of America. It's a symbol of our greatness.” — President Trump
- Legal outlook on other projects: When asked about potential demolition of the Kennedy Center, Trump said, “I’m not committing to anything. We’re going to see how it plays out in court.” — President Trump
Data & Statistics
- Ballroom size: 90,000 sq ft (East Wing replacement).
- Gold embellishments: Multiple gold-finished elements added to the Oval Office, including appliqués, frames, crown-molding trim, and ceiling seal.
Verbatim Quotes
What’s Next
Trump indicated that discussions about the Oval Office’s landmark status are ongoing, but no specific timeline was provided. He also signaled that any future actions regarding the Kennedy Center will depend on pending court proceedings.