USA (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A gold plaque bearing the words “The Oval Office,” installed during Donald Trump’s current presidency, has mysteriously disappeared shortly after being spotted, prompting public speculation. This removal aligns with broader ongoing renovations and ornate redesigns under Trump, symbolising his unique imprint and stirring political reactions.
Gold Oval Office sign vanished after brief appearance
A gold sign reading “The Oval Office” was noticed outside the presidential office in early November but has since been reported missing, according to The Washington Post and Newsweek’s reporting. The plaque’s disappearance remains unexplained, sparking curiosity and debate among the public and media.
Trump’s extensive White House renovations emphasise grandeur
Since his return to the White House, Trump has initiated significant refurbishments, including demolishing and repaving the Rose Garden, building a new ballroom in the East Wing, and lavishly redecorating the Oval Office with gold medallions, eagles, and ornate Rococo mirrors. The gold lettering shared the same design language as other White House signage, partially aligning with the Presidential Walk of Fame outside the West Wing.
Polarised public and political reactions
The sign and other decorative updates have become focal points for criticism and satire. Late-night host Jimmy Fallon mocked the signage, while Democrats referred to it amidst the ongoing government shutdown as emblematic of the administration’s priorities. White House spokesperson Davis R. Ingle defended the upgrades, stating Trump is “enhancing the beauty of the White House” and suggested critics are suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome”.
Symbol of a distinctive presidential legacy
Trump’s Oval Office alterations also include returning portraits of Andrew Jackson and George Washington from his first term, replacing portraits added under President Joe Biden. He has removed the dark blue Clinton-era rug and replaced it with a lighter Reagan-era one, and added military flags to surround the room. His approach represents a continuation of his maximalist and gilded aesthetic, contrasting with predecessors who typically chose simpler office decor.
Future of the lettering and renovations uncertain
The fate of the “Oval Office” gold plaque is unclear; it may return or be permanently removed. Its brief presence and removal highlight the evolving nature of the White House under Trump’s administration. The ongoing renovations have divided opinion between admiration from supporters and criticism from detractors regarding priorities and style.
