President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Thursday, Nov. 5, designating the Oval Office and Cabinet Room in Washington, D.C., as a national monument. Trump said the designation would prevent future presidents from making major changes without congressional approval and indicated Congress would need to ratify it. The proclamation does not prevent successors from changing the rooms’ decor or rolling it back.
WHO:
U.S. President Donald Trump
WHAT:
Trump signed a proclamation designating the White House's Oval Office and Cabinet Room as a national monument. He said it would prevent future presidents from making major changes to the rooms without congressional approval and indicated Congress would need to ratify it. The proclamation does not prevent future presidents from restyling the Oval Office or rescinding the proclamation. Since returning to the White House, Trump has overseen Oval Office changes, including portraits, a copy of the Declaration of Independence and gold accents.
WHEN:
Reported Nov 5, 2026 at 11:41 PM ET
WHERE:
Washington, D.C., USA
WHY:
Trump said the designation would prevent future presidents from making major changes to the rooms without congressional approval.
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