Following Donald Trump’s unveiling of his ’24 Karat Gold’ Oval Office, many have noted a common theme in the decor. The president’s affinity for gold is well-known, and upon returning to office in January, the White House has experienced a lavish overhaul, characterized by gold-plated extravagance.
The Oval Office is now adorned with gold fixtures, fittings, picture frames, ornaments, and other opulent embellishments. Trump also envisions a similar lavish design for a proposed $200 million ballroom.
In response to critics of his decorative style, Trump remarked, “There’s nothing like gold, and there’s nothing like solid gold,” while attempting to persuade FIFA President Gianni Infantino to leave the original FIFA trophy in the office.
Although unsuccessful in retaining the trophy, Trump has amassed a significant collection of gold items, reportedly bringing in his own specialist on Air Force One to replicate the gilded style seen at his Mar-a-Lago property.
Trump seems pleased with the transformation, boasting online that the Oval Office and Cabinet Room display ‘some of the highest quality 24 Karat Gold.’
On his Truth Social platform, Trump shared footage of his gold decorations, writing: “Foreign Leaders, and everyone else, ‘freak out’ when they see the quality and beauty.
“Best Oval Office ever, in terms of success and look!!!”
Despite the president’s enthusiasm, critics have highlighted the disparity between the opulent White House and the financial challenges facing the nation, which is grappling with a national debt currently at $37.47 trillion.
This astronomical figure has ballooned over the years due to numerous significant events, including world wars, conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, the 2008 Great Recession, and the Covid-19 pandemic, causing the debt to rise from $395 billion in 1924 to $35.46 trillion a century later.
Many Americans have remarked on the stark contrast between the White House’s regal appearance and the everyday financial struggles they endure.
One critic commented, “I don’t know who needs to hear this; but this styling is unAmerican. Gold fixtures like these are found in Versailles or St. Petersburg, meant to show off the wealth of the King or Tsar.
“It says a lot about how the White House views its own Presidency.”
Another added, “He doesn’t care about that [the national debt]. It’s all a c**k swinging contest to him.
“‘Look at all my gold. Pay attention to me.’ He couldn’t care less about America, the debt or the American people.
“Trump’s putting in a show for his billionaire buddies and the dictators of the world.”
A third critic questioned, “How are his MAGA base not furious at him for this kind of BS? He’s boasting over gaudy decorations and a ballroom no one ever asked for while gas and groceries go up, farmers are going under, we turn on our allies but bail out Argentina?”
Previously, Trump described the room as needing ‘a little life’ following his predecessor Joe Biden’s tenure, admitting that achieving a real gold look with paint is challenging.
A White House spokesperson confirmed that all of the high-quality gold was personally financed by Trump, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt referring to it as a ‘golden office for the golden age.’