Trump Seeks Monument Status for Oval Office and Cabinet Room

President Donald Trump has moved to protect the Oval Office and the adjoining Cabinet Room from future major alterations by signing a proclamation seeking national monument status for the executive spaces at the White House on Thursday. He also announced plans to ask Congress to approve the proposed federal designations.

The initiative comes as Trump's Republican Party faces the political consequences of a major defeat in the midterm elections. Rather than publicly addressing the election results or outlining his response to an incoming Democratic-controlled Congress, Trump has continued highlighting his White House renovation projects.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump described the executive rooms as places associated with significant achievements during his administration.

"great victories" said President Trump.

The proposed designation would establish restrictions on future changes to the Oval Office, including alterations to its physical structure. Trump said congressional approval would be necessary before anyone could undertake major modifications to the room.

He specifically discussed the possibility of future administrations changing the room's shape as an example of the alterations he wanted to prevent.

"let's make it square," said President Trump.

Trump also indicated that the proposed protections would cover substantial modifications beyond structural changes. Under his description, the designation would prevent significant renovations without authorization from Congress.

He emphasized that the restrictions would apply to changes considered major rather than suggesting that every adjustment would be prohibited.

"major" said President Trump.

The Cabinet Room is also included in the proposed designation, although Trump offered fewer details about the specific changes he wanted to prevent there. He instead highlighted the renovations already completed in the adjoining executive space.

Trump said the room had undergone substantial improvements under his direction.

"very upgraded and made really beautiful" said President Trump.

The proclamation follows Trump's continued involvement in the White House's physical transformation. He has made significant changes to the appearance of both the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room.

On Wednesday, during his first public appearance following his party's electoral defeat, Trump visited the construction site of the planned White House ballroom. He celebrated the project's progress and signed its final steel beam.

The proposed monument designations would require congressional involvement, according to Trump's announcement. The president said he was sending a request to Congress to attach the federal protections to the Oval Office and Cabinet Room.