US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order designating the Oval Office as a national monument, a move he says will prevent future presidents from altering, demolishing or significantly modifying the historic room.
Trump signed the order on Thursday, November 5, extending his focus on White House renovation projects despite the Republican Party's heavy defeat in the recent midterm elections.
The decision comes amid criticism that the president has prioritised construction projects in Washington over pressing national concerns, including the ongoing war involving Iran and the rising cost of living.
The criticism intensified after Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress in Tuesday's midterm elections. However, Trump appeared largely unfazed by the outcome, using public appearances to highlight plans for a new White House ballroom.
On Thursday, his attention turned to the Oval Office and the adjoining Cabinet Room. Both spaces have undergone decorative changes since he returned to the White House last year, including the addition of several gold ornaments.
Trump said the new designation would protect the rooms from being altered by future occupants of the White House.
"It won't be able to be taken down, destroyed, touched, or anything else. It's called actually a national monument," he told reporters.
The move has also generated speculation about possible further changes to the White House's West Wing, particularly after earlier suggestions that journalists could be relocated from the White House briefing room, which is situated near the Oval Office.
Meanwhile, Trump's signing of the order was not broadcast by major American television networks. The White House has also excluded CNN from the rotating pool of television broadcasters covering presidential events.
Although Trump briefly acknowledged the midterm elections, he appeared to send a political message by placing a red baseball cap bearing the word "veto" on the Resolute Desk.
The 80-year-old president has threatened to use his presidential powers to block legislation supported by Democrats, although he has also expressed willingness to work with the opposition party.
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