Trump signed the proclamation on Thursday, November 5, as he continued his extensive renovation projects at the White House, despite his Republican Party suffering a major defeat in the midterm elections, which handed control of both chambers of Congress to Democrats.
The president has faced criticism over his administration’s focus on construction projects, including the development of a new White House ballroom, amid concerns over the ongoing war with Iran and the rising cost of living.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Trump showcased the newly designated spaces, which have undergone extensive decoration featuring gold ornaments since his return to office.
“It won’t be able to be taken down, touched, or anything else. It’s called actually a national monument,” Trump said.
The designation is intended to restrict future occupants of the White House from making structural changes or carrying out major remodelling work in the two rooms.
The move has also raised questions about possible further changes to the West Wing, following earlier suggestions that the administration could relocate the nearby White House briefing room.
Although the signing ceremony was not broadcast by major U.S. television networks, amid an ongoing dispute over CNN’s exclusion from the presidential press pool, Trump also addressed the Republican Party’s midterm election losses.
He displayed a red baseball cap bearing the word “veto” on the Resolute Desk, signalling his intention to use presidential veto powers to block legislation from the incoming Democratic-controlled Congress.
However, the 80-year-old president also indicated that he remained open to working with Democrats on bipartisan initiatives.
