Congressional approval looms as Trump moves to make Oval Office national monument, aiming to prevent future major changes
Rooms named as monuments
The proclamation covers the Oval Office, the outer Oval Office and the Cabinet Room. Trump said the designation would make the rooms difficult to alter in a meaningful way.
He described the spaces as protected from being destroyed or rebuilt in a different shape. Trump also said no major modification to the Oval Office or Cabinet Room could happen without Congress’s approval.
Congressional ratification remains ahead
Trump said the proclamation would be sent to Congress for ratification. The article does not say whether Congress has acted on it. When asked whether a future president could remove the gold accents he added to the Oval Office, Trump indicated that it could happen, but would need to be done carefully.
Ballroom work continues
Trump signed the proclamation Thursday, after Republicans’ midterm election losses. On Wednesday, he invited reporters to the ballroom construction site to watch the final beam being raised. The White House ballroom project followed the demolition of the East Wing in October 2025, which the article says took place with little notice or oversight. Trump defended the work, saying the White House should be pristine as a symbol of America.
Key points
- The proclamation designates three rooms: the Oval Office, outer Oval Office and Cabinet Room.
- Trump said major changes to the Oval Office and Cabinet Room would require congressional approval.
- Trump indicated Congress must ratify the proclamation.
- Ballroom construction continues after the East Wing’s demolition in October 2025.