Trump signs order preventing future presidents from changing Oval Office
According to the BBC, US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order designating the White House Oval Office as a national monument. Trump stated the move is intended to prevent future presidents from destroying or making structural changes to the space, declaring, "We're making it a national monument, and it will not be allowed to be touched by anybody." The order directs the National Park Service to maintain the office's architectural integrity and historic character. However, legal experts and critics, such as Greg Werkheiser, have labeled the move "hypocrisy," noting that Trump has disregarded historic preservation laws in his own construction projects across Washington, including the demolition of the White House East Wing. Former President Barack Obama had previously criticized Trump's decorative changes to the Oval Office. It remains unclear whether this executive order will be legally binding for future administrations.