Trump Seeks Congressional Safeguards for Two White House Rooms

Trump described the proclamation as a first step toward formally recognising the rooms’ historical significance. Although the White House already has national historic landmark status, the document argues that the Oval Office warrants separate recognition and protective management because of its national importance. Trump said the measure would make fundamental redesigns harder, citing a hypothetical successor who might replace the Oval Office’s traditional shape with a square one. Both rooms have been in their current locations since the 1930s and have hosted significant domestic and international meetings. No proposal by a future administration to demolish or substantially redesign either space has been reported.

Republicans lost control of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections, and Democrats are set to take the majority in January. The shift is expected to constrain Trump’s ability to pass legislation in the remaining years of his presidency while giving Democrats more influence over oversight and policy debates. A red “VETO” hat placed on Trump’s desk during Thursday’s signing ceremony appeared to refer to the changing balance of power.

The initiative comes amid a broader push by Trump to reshape the White House. Since returning to office in January 2025, he has added extensive gold decorations to the Oval Office, paved over the Rose Garden and demolished the East Wing for a planned ballroom. He has also overseen resurfacing of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The projects have drawn criticism and, in some cases, legal challenges.

Trump’s preservation record has also faced scrutiny over actions outside the White House. In July, he signed orders reducing protected areas in two national monuments in southern Utah by more than 90%, opening land to activities including grazing, logging, motorised recreation and resource development. Environmental groups criticised the decisions. The proposed protections for the White House rooms would require congressional approval, and their precise legal effect would depend on approval and implementation. Trump has said future presidents could remove his gold decorations if they did so carefully.