US President Donald Trump vowed to usher in a new "Golden Era" for America. At least within the confines of the Oval Office, he has fulfilled this pledge through an opulent redecoration.
The Republican has adorned the hallowed halls of the U.S. presidency with golden trophies and gold-plated,Trump-labeled drink holders, covering nearly all empty spaces on the walls with paintings of past presidents.
Nearly every day brings some fresh development. This week, Trump presented a copy of the Declaration of Independence – the pivotal document marking America’s liberation from the British crown 250 years ago.
Are you curious about the most significant issues and global trends? Find out here. SCMP Knowledge Our latest platform offers carefully selected content including explainers, FAQs, analyses, and infographics, all provided by our acclaimed team.
Much more so than during his initial tenure, it seems like the 78-year-old ex-reality TV celebrity and multi-billionaire real estate magnate is crafting an entity that blends elements of a studio with select properties.
"President Trump excels at portraying himself as Donald Trump," stated Peter Loge, who directs George Washington University's School of Media.
The performance is the main event. A key part of this performance is the flashy elements. It wouldn’t be unexpected if Trump transformed the Oval Office into a television backdrop that embodied his personal branding.
However, beneath the surface of Trump's frantic redecorations lies a significant political statement.
The Oval Office stands as the foremost emblem of American authority, serving as the setting for numerous press briefings and televised encounters with international leaders — such as the notable confrontation between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Thus, it came as no surprise when the collection of presidential portraits welcomed a new member: the 19th-century leader James Polk.
During President James K. Polk's tenure as the 11th leader of the United States, the country experienced substantial growth through the acquisition of vast territories along the western coastline, the southwestern region, and Texas.
This was an evident act of political symbolism amid Trump’s statements that have unsettled allies, as he discusses the potential annexation of Greenland, the reinstatement of control over the Panama Canal, and gaining authority over Gaza.
Every president chooses much of their decorations from comparable sources such as the White House art collection, yet they still succeed in adding a distinctively personal flair to the Oval Office.
The contrast with Donald Trump’s democratic successor Joe Biden couldn’t be more pronounced – something the 46th president is acutely conscious of.
"Don't you believe Joe Biden would do something like this?" Trump asked on Tuesday while drawing back the curtains to protect against glare during an interview with Fox News Channel. "I certainly doubt it," he added. The Ingraham Angle .
Trump additionally highlighted the recently added golden cherubs positioned above the doorways. "It is believed that angels bestow good fortune," he remarked.
The Oval Office under Biden maintained a relatively modest decor, featuring five portraits surrounding the renowned fireplace, notably including that of World War II President Franklin D. Roosevelt positioned right above the mantel.
Trump owns nine properties, and that doesn't include those close to his office, such as the iconic Republican figure Ronald Reagan's landmarks.
Although Biden boasted a large Swedish ivy plant said to trace back to John F. Kennedy sitting on the mantelpiece, Trump displayed seven elaborate gold-plated vases, with some being over two centuries old.
And while both Trump and Biden had a bust of civil rights leader Martin Luther King on display, Trump has brought back the bust of Britain's World War II prime minister Winston Churchill that he had during his first term.
The lavish exhibition shouldn’t be surprising from a person who launched their initial bid for presidency by stepping down a gilded staircase at Trump Tower in New York.
The wealthy tycoon has consistently stamped his name on numerous items and places, ranging from structures to religious texts like Bibles.
Trump’s transformation seldom hesitates to promote his personal brand and project an aura of strength, which have been key elements of his political journey.
Lately, an item that has remained permanently displayed is a sizable map labeling the "Gulf of America," a term introduced by the Trump administration as a replacement for the Gulf of Mexico.
Trump is even planning to pave over the famed Rose Garden that the Oval Office overlooks, to give it the patio-like feel of his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
"The grass simply isn’t effective," Trump said to Fox News, mentioning that it becomes “very soggy.”
One of Trump's most cherished additions, however, is an unusual portrait that adorns the walls alongside those of his distinguished ancestors.
Just outside the Oval Office, within a gilded frame, is a photograph of Trump — specifically, his 2023 booking photo as seen on the front page of a gossip magazine. This image captures him being processed in Georgia following allegations related to interfering with the 2020 presidential elections.
More Articles from SCMP
In what way does the 2009 film "John Rabe" portray the Nanjing Massacre in China from a Western perspective?
Get acquainted with Daniel Zovatto, who stars as serial killer Rodney Alcala in "Woman of the Hour," directed by Anna Kendrick for Netflix. This Costa Rican actor reveals that Leonardo DiCaprio motivated him to pursue acting.
CK Asset and Henderson Land indicate they encounter uncertainties heading into 2025.
Former Vietnamese surgeon who mutilated his lover receives death penalty
The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
Copyright © 2025. South ChinaMorning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
Post a Comment