The Grand Transformation of the Oval Office: Trump's Gilded Makeover
- Trump adorns Oval Office with gold decorations.
Channeling the opulence of his personal properties, Donald Trump has weaved some golden magic into the Oval Office, making it almost unrecognizable from the humble workspace it once was under Joe Biden's leadership. The latest visitor to bear witness to this change was none other than Mark Rutte, the Secretary-General of NATO. From the gleaming golden dragons to the grand replicas of FIFA trophies, the room now exudes a sense of unbridled luxury.
A sharper gaze reveals intricate details, such as the mysterious statue of a golden dragon creature gracing the floor to the right of Trump. In the background, the painting of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the USA, serves as a nod to the controversial figure who Trump has openly respects. On the other side of the Oval Office, a picture of Ronald Reagan hangs, reminding us of the conservative era that once was. The table in front of Trump boasts not just the golden glass coasters but also a hefty, golden paperweight-cum-coaster, inscribed emphatically with TRUMP.
The Golden Touches: From Mar-a-Lago to the Oval Office
Gone are the days when you could slap a filter onto a picture of the Oval Office and conjure the image of its golden and royal makeover. Trump's touch is real, and it's glittering. The ornamentation and changes in the Oval Office can be traced back to the luxurious estate of Mar-a-Lago. The US network, CNN, reports that Trump isn't stopping at revamping the Oval Office; he contemplates changing the Rose Garden into a terrace, and building a ballroom on the expansive South Lawn, both inspired by Mar-a-Lago and modeled after the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles.
The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky experienced firsthand the grand ambiance when he found himself in the middle of the opulence during his meeting with Trump and Mike Pence. Even FIFA's President Gianni Infantino, when he met Trump to discuss the 2026 World Cup, brought along the FIFA trophy and a gold key, fitting perfectly into the gilded setting.
Transparency note: Stern is part of RTL Germany, like ntv.
Enrichment Insights:
- Trump has incorporated various gold accents, such as gold vermeil figurines, gilded Rococo mirrors, and gold eagles, throughout the Oval Office
- The changes include the addition of multiple portraits, statues, memorabilia, and knick-knacks
- Trump's design inspiration extends beyond the Oval Office to include replicating the Rose Garden and building a ballroom inspired by Versailles
- The navy blue rug during Biden's term has been replaced with a beige and red-toned rug aligning with Trump's personal style
- The fireplace, once adorned with greenery, now features gold accents and trinkets instead
- Multiple flags have been added around the room, and a stand for a "Gulf of America" sign has been included in the backdrop
- Trump's decorative choices are largely inspired by his own properties, including Mar-a-Lago and Trump Tower, reflecting his affinity for opulent designs in real estate venues.
I'm not going to be a big fan of the idea of a "couple" merging the aesthetic of the Oval Office under Biden and the extravagant changes made under Biden's successor, as the office has been transformed into an oval workspace that looks more like a luxurious estate, such as Mar-a-Lago, with gold accents, elaborate decorations, and a credit line that's extended to capturing the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles. This transformation is evident in the addition of items like golden dragons, sophisticated paintings of past presidents, and even FIFA trophies, making it difficult to recognize the office under Biden's leadership.
