‘Nobody can touch it’: Trump moves to protect revamped Oval Office from alterations by future presidents

US President Donald Trump has taken steps to shield the Oval Office from major changes by future administrations, signing an executive order that designates the historic space as a national monument and places it under the supervision of the National Park Service.

The move comes after Trump undertook extensive renovations to the Oval Office following his return to the White House. The president said the designation would prevent future occupants from tearing down or substantially altering the space.

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"So we're making it a national monument, and it will not be allowed to be touched by anybody, destroyed, ripped down by stupid people, in order to build something in a slightly different shape," Trump said on Thursday.

According to the BBC, the order covers the Oval Office and some adjoining rooms, directing the National Park Service to safeguard their historical character and architectural integrity.

However, the designation does not rule out routine changes to the office. Future presidents can still redecorate the space, replace furniture and undertake necessary operational or security-related modifications, as long as they do not substantially alter its historic structure or architectural features.

Explaining the significance of the move, Trump described the Oval Office as an important national symbol.

"We like the Oval Office, and it's a symbol like the White House itself. It's a symbol of our country and the greatness of our country," Trump said.

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Under the US system, presidents have considerable freedom to make changes to the White House. However, major construction projects require congressional approval. Presidents also have the authority to designate national monuments, which are subsequently protected and managed under federal law.

The White House already holds the status of a National Historic Landmark. Trump's proclamation recognises this existing designation while making the case for separate protection of the Oval Office because of its historical importance.

Located in the West Wing, the Oval Office in its current position dates back to the early 1930s. It was established during the presidency of Franklin D Roosevelt.

Since beginning his second term, Trump has introduced several prominent decorative changes to the office, adding extensive gold accents, gold-framed paintings and portraits. The former real estate developer has also pursued a series of high-profile construction and beautification projects across Washington, DC.

Despite the stated aim of preserving the historic space, the latest move has raised questions about how much protection the designation actually offers and whether it can meaningfully restrict the ability of future presidents to modify the Oval Office.

With inputs from TOI