(Adnkronos) – The American president Donald Trump has signed a proclamation declaring the Oval Office of the White House a national monument, with the aim of protecting its historical structure from any substantial modifications by his successors. “We are turning it into a national monument and no one will be allowed to touch it, destroy it, or demolish it to build something of a slightly different shape,” the tycoon declared. The measure, signed two days after the heavy Republican defeat in the midterm elections, entrusts the Department of the Interior with the protection of the presidential office and provides for checks before any intervention that could significantly alter its structure or architectural character.
However, the proclamation does not prevent future presidents from modifying the furnishings and decorations of the Oval Office, which Trump personally renovated with numerous gilded details, portraits, and other ornamental elements. When asked by journalists about the possible future removal of the dozens of gilded decorations he introduced, Trump stated that successors “can do what they want,” as long as they are “careful” not to ruin the aesthetics of the room. It also remains uncertain whether a successor could revoke the proclamation, as Trump himself has done in the past with some national monuments. The initiative comes as the president continues to promote his projects for the transformation of the White House, including the construction of a new ballroom in place of the East Wing, which was demolished amidst controversy.
