The Gilded Oval: 7 Shocking Changes Donald Trump Made To America's Most Sacred Office

The Oval Office, a globally recognized symbol of American presidential power, underwent one of its most dramatic and personalized transformations during the four-year tenure of Donald J. Trump. As of December 2025, the legacy of his unique "Trump Touches"—a blend of real estate developer opulence and signature branding—continues to be a major talking point in discussions about presidential style and the sanctity of the White House's most famous room.

The changes he implemented, often at his own personal expense, moved the aesthetic of the office away from the traditionally minimalist and understated decor favored by previous administrations, creating a gilded, opulent showpiece that reflected his personal brand. This deep dive explores the specific, and often controversial, renovations and stylistic choices that defined the Trump-era Oval Office.

Donald Trump: A Brief Biography of His Presidential Years

Donald John Trump (born June 14, 1946) is an American businessman, media personality, and politician who served as the 45th President of the United States from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021. Prior to entering politics, Trump was a prominent real estate developer and television personality.

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• Inauguration: January 20, 2017.
• Political Party: Republican.
• Vice President: Mike Pence.
• Key Oval Office Decisions: Signing of numerous executive orders, including the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, the appointment of three Supreme Court Justices, and the signing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
• Major Controversies: Investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election, two impeachments by the House of Representatives, and numerous ethics concerns regarding his continued business interests while in office.
• Post-Presidency: Maintained a strong political presence and continued to face legal and political challenges.

The "Trump Touches": Seven Unprecedented Oval Office Changes

Every incoming President has the opportunity to redecorate the Oval Office to their taste, often choosing a new rug, drapes, and a selection of presidential portraits. However, Donald Trump's changes went beyond the usual subtle adjustments, injecting a signature style into the historic workspace that drew both admiration and mockery.

1. The Extreme Goldening of the Decor

The most immediately noticeable change was the introduction of a significant amount of gold. Trump, leaning into his background as a real estate developer and hotelier, applied what he called "Trump touches" to the room's decor. This included adding gilded accents to the room, with the President personally covering the costs of the gold additions. The transformation turned the traditionally minimalist space into a lavish, ornate setting, with some online speculation even suggesting the gold moldings were inexpensive plastic appliques, a rumor Trump personally hit back at in November 2025.

2. A Controversial Portrait Gallery

The selection and arrangement of presidential portraits lining the curved walls of the Oval Office also saw notable changes. Trump opted to hang a painting of America’s first President, George Washington, above the fireplace. His administration also utilized portraits of former Presidents that had not been displayed in the Oval Office for many years, adding an unprecedented amount of art to the space. This rearrangement was seen by many as a highly personalized and symbolic shift in the visual narrative of the presidency.

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3. The Return of Andrew Jackson

One specific portrait choice drew particular attention: the prominent display of a portrait of Andrew Jackson. Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, was a populist figure who Trump frequently cited as a political inspiration. Placing Jackson's portrait in a highly visible spot was a clear visual cue to Trump's political philosophy and his desire to break with established norms, much like Jackson did during his own time in office.

4. Replacing the Curtains

Following a long tradition, Trump replaced the drapes in the Oval Office. He chose a set of gold-colored curtains, a stark contrast to the crimson or blue drapes often favored by previous presidents. These new drapes complemented the other gold accents, reinforcing the cohesive, signature style he was trying to achieve throughout the space.

5. The Selection of the Rug

The rug chosen by the administration was a cream-colored piece featuring an intricate gold border. The selection was again a departure from the deep blue or earthy tones seen in previous administrations, further solidifying the "gilded" aesthetic of the room. The rug, like the curtains, was a key element in transforming the room’s overall color palette and atmosphere.

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6. The Addition of the "Trump" Sign

During his second term, photos showed the addition of a small, gold sign bearing the name "Trump" on the Resolute Desk. While a seemingly minor detail, this move was highly symbolic. The Resolute Desk is one of the most iconic pieces of furniture in the world, and adding a personal nameplate was viewed by critics as another example of the President prioritizing his personal brand over presidential tradition and norms. The sign drew both mockery and anger from those who felt it was an inappropriate personalization of a national symbol.

7. The Desk's Personal Items

Unlike some predecessors who kept a relatively clear desk, Trump’s Resolute Desk was often photographed with a distinct selection of personal items, including a frequently-used button for summoning a staffer to bring him a Diet Coke. This small detail became a viral symbol of the President's management style and personal habits, illustrating a more informal and personalized approach to the highest office in the land.

Key Moments and The Oval Office Legacy

Beyond the decor, the Oval Office was the backdrop for numerous consequential and controversial moments during Trump's presidency. The room served as the stage for signing key pieces of legislation and executive orders, as well as hosting high-stakes meetings that shaped global politics.

• Executive Orders: The Oval Office was the location for the signing of numerous executive actions, including those related to border security and regulatory changes, often within the first few days of his term.
• High-Stakes Diplomatic Meetings: The room hosted meetings with world leaders, including a hypothetical but highly publicized February 2025 meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscoring the room's continued role as the epicenter of international diplomacy, even in a future context.
• Culture and Honors: The office was also used for ceremonies, such as the presentation of medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees, a sign of the office's function as a place to recognize American cultural achievement.

The physical changes made by Donald Trump to the Oval Office—the gold accents, the portrait rearrangement, and the personal touches—remain a powerful visual representation of his presidency. They reflect a desire to brand the highest office with his own unique style, moving away from traditional White House aesthetics toward a more opulent, "Trump-branded" look. This legacy ensures that the question of who gets to define the look and feel of the Oval Office will continue to be a subject of intense public and political debate.