Oval Office 'Trumpified' into a gilded showplace with gold and artifacts

As US President Donald Trump settles back into office, he has embarked on an extensive transformation of the Oval Office, turning it into a personal gallery filled with opulence and memorabilia.

Nearly eight weeks after returning to the White House, Trump has radically reimagined the iconic space, tripling the number of paintings adorning the walls. The room, once a minimalist setting for presidential work, is now overflowing with gold—gold vermeil figurines on the mantle, gilded Rococo mirrors on the doors, and even gold cherubs from his Mar-a-Lago estate perched above doorways.

The walls are lined with oil portraits of US presidents and founding fathers, including Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, and Ronald Reagan. The most striking addition is an imposing portrait of George Washington above the fireplace, replacing the smaller image that greeted Trump when he returned to office.

Photo: Reuters

The gold accents continue throughout the office, including gilded eagles on side tables and gold-framed medallions decorating the fireplace. Trump even had the remote control for the television down the hall wrapped in gold. While the office’s grand aesthetic has shifted dramatically, Trump’s focus on grandeur and opulence mirrors his personal style, as seen at his South Florida home and former Trump Tower office.

Photo: Reuters

Trump’s changes are not limited to the Oval Office. The president is also overseeing plans for a massive revamp of the Rose Garden and has spoken about creating a new ballroom on the South Lawn, inspired by the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles. The $1.75 million renovation during his first term included sweeping updates to the Oval Office and the West Wing, with some features removed, including Swedish ivy plants that were gifted to John F. Kennedy.

Trump’s renovations serve as a form of personal expression, with trophies, photographs, and memorabilia filling the space. Behind his desk sits a shiny golden replica of the FIFA World Cup Trophy, reflecting his enthusiasm for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. His love of grandeur is also evident in the replacement of simple wooden side tables with marble-topped consoles, adding a more showy, regal feel.

Photo: Reuters

Despite the criticisms of his presidential style, with some calling it “king-like” rather than presidential, Trump continues to shape the Oval Office as a personal reflection of his preferences. Dan Scavino, the deputy White House chief of staff, frequently shares updates on social media about Trump’s décor additions, underscoring the president’s hands-on approach in selecting each piece of art and artifact.

Photo: Reuters

Trump’s distinctive take on the Oval Office continues to draw attention, as the once minimalist office has been replaced by a space brimming with flags, figurines, and gold accents, emphasizing a unique and personal touch that reflects his personality.