The Gilded Age Of Power: 10 Shocking Details Of Donald Trump's Oval Office Decor

Step inside the Oval Office during the Donald Trump administration, and you would witness a dramatic departure from presidential tradition. The redecoration, completed shortly after his 2017 inauguration, was not just a simple refresh; it was a bold, personal branding exercise that transformed the historic space into a symbol of populist defiance and unapologetic extravagance. This unique and often controversial aesthetic choice—dubbed "The Gilded Age of Power" by many critics—replaced the muted, contemporary tones of the Obama era with a distinct emphasis on gold, cream, and powerful, historically charged artwork.

The changes made by President Trump, which were immediate and highly visible, sparked an intense national debate, with design experts labeling the new look as everything from "tacky" to a reflection of his "America First" political movement. As of today, December 18, 2025, the decor remains a fascinating study in how a president’s personal taste can be leveraged to send a potent political message, making the Trump Oval Office one of the most talked-about presidential workspaces in modern history.

The Signature Elements of Trump's Oval Office Transformation

Every incoming president has the opportunity to redecorate the Oval Office, but Donald Trump's changes were arguably the most personalized and symbolically charged in decades. His choices in color, furniture, and art were carefully selected to reflect his political identity and populist appeal.

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1. The Controversial Gold Curtains (A Clinton-Era Irony)

   One of the most immediate and striking changes was the return of the opulent, heavy gold curtains. These drapes, which replaced the deep crimson curtains of the Obama years, became a signature element of the Trump aesthetic. Ironically, these specific gold curtains were not purchased by Trump; they were found in White House storage, having originally been selected by First Lady Hillary Clinton for Bill Clinton's Oval Office in the 1990s. This detail often provided commentators with a point of historical irony, highlighting how the "gilded" look was achieved using repurposed, though luxurious, White House assets.

2. The Populist Symbol: Andrew Jackson's Portrait

   Hanging prominently in the Oval Office, often above the fireplace mantel, was a large portrait of the seventh U.S. President, Andrew Jackson. This was not a random choice; its placement was highly symbolic. Trump frequently drew parallels between his own political movement and Jackson's populist, anti-establishment rise in the early 19th century. The portrait’s presence was a clear, visual nod to his base, signaling a connection to a figure often associated with challenging the Washington elite.

3. The Bright, Patterned Wallpaper

   The subtle, striped wallpaper from the previous administration was replaced with a new, white patterned wall covering. This change contributed to the overall brighter, more expansive feel of the room, complementing the gold and cream color palette. The specific pattern, while subtle, added a layer of traditional opulence that differed significantly from the more restrained choices of his predecessor.

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4. The Cream-Colored Oval Rug

   The deep blue rug used by President Obama was swapped out for a new, cream- or tan-colored oval carpet. This lighter-toned rug served as the foundation for the new decor, reflecting the brighter, more "gilded" environment Trump favored. The choice of a neutral, yet luxurious, color helped to amplify the presence of the room’s gold accents and rich wood tones.

5. The Return of Winston Churchill

   The bust of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was a key piece of statuary returned to the Oval Office. This specific bust, sculpted by Sir Jacob Epstein, has been a recurring fixture in the Oval Office for several presidents. Its placement was seen as a gesture toward the "special relationship" between the U.S. and the U.K., and a nod to a strong, wartime leader, a figure Trump admired.

The Controversial "Gilded" Accents and Unique Objects

Beyond the major elements, the Trump Oval Office was defined by a series of smaller, yet highly scrutinized, details. These unique objects and accents were often the subject of media attention and design critique, further cementing the office's distinctive identity.

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6. The 'Bronco Buster' Statue

   A statue titled "The Bronco Buster" by Frederic Remington was prominently displayed. This bronze sculpture of a cowboy taming a wild horse is a classic piece of Western art, symbolizing rugged individualism, strength, and the American frontier spirit. Its inclusion reinforced the populist and "tough-guy" image that President Trump often projected.

7. The Gold Cursive Office Sign

   Perhaps the most mocked and intensely debated minor detail was the addition of a gold, cursive sign affixed next to the Oval Office door that simply read "The Oval Office." Critics, including design and typography experts, derided the sign as "tacky" and "garish," arguing it looked like a cheap, off-the-shelf plaque that detracted from the room's historical gravitas. The sign became a symbol of the perceived "gilding" of the White House.

8. The Emergency Diet Coke Button

   A unique and highly publicized object on the Resolute Desk was a small, red button. When pressed, a valet would be alerted to bring the president a Diet Coke. This detail, while seemingly trivial, became an iconic image of the Trump presidency, highlighting his personal habits and the unique level of service afforded to the Commander-in-Chief.

9. The Portrait of Benjamin Franklin

   In addition to Andrew Jackson, a portrait of Benjamin Franklin was also part of the redecorated space. Franklin, a Founding Father known for his ingenuity, diplomacy, and self-made success, provided a counterpoint to the populist Jackson, adding a layer of traditional American statesmanship to the collection of artwork.

10. The Removal of the Robert F. Kennedy Bust

    In a symbolic move, President Trump removed the bust of Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) that had been present in the office during the Obama administration. This action, like the changing of the artwork and the installation of the Jackson portrait, was interpreted as a clear break from the political and cultural legacy of his immediate predecessors, establishing his own distinct visual narrative within the historic space.

The Enduring Legacy of Trump's Oval Office Aesthetic

The redecoration of the Oval Office under Donald Trump was far more than an interior design project; it was a powerful statement of political and personal identity. The heavy use of gold accents and the shift to a brighter, more opulent color scheme were direct reflections of his personal brand and his success in the real estate world. The new look was unapologetically maximalist, standing in stark contrast to the minimalist and restrained styles favored by many previous presidents.

The choice of artwork, particularly the prominent placement of Andrew Jackson, served to visually connect his administration to a specific, populist strain of American history. While design experts from publications like *The New York Post* and *The Washington Post* often criticized the decor as "tacky and trollish," the space perfectly embodied the spirit of the Trump movement: bold, controversial, and focused on projecting an image of wealth and power. The Trump Oval Office remains a crucial case study in how presidential decor can be used as a tool for communication, sending an immediate and unmistakable message to both a domestic and global audience.