Trump flexes his executive-order power, designates White House office and Cabinet Room as national monuments

[Financial News] President Trump signed an executive order designating the White House office (the Oval Office) as a national monument on the 5th (local time), foreign media including Agence France-Presse reported.
Since returning to power last year, President Trump has covered the Oval Office and the adjacent Cabinet Room in lavish gold-colored decorations. At the signing ceremony, he said the declaration would “ensure that no one can damage these great spaces,” explaining that it was intended to prevent future presidents from renovating or changing the two spaces. Critics have said that Trump is ignoring key issues that swayed voters during the election, such as the Iran war and rising prices, while focusing excessively on construction and remodeling projects around the capital.
He emphasized to reporters, “No one will be able to demolish, destroy or touch this place. It is now being designated an official national monument.”
Some in the media, however, have speculated that this move could be a prelude to further renovations to the White House West Wing. President Trump has repeatedly hinted that he could remove reporters from the well-known briefing room near the Oval Office.
Meanwhile, the signing ceremony for the executive order was not broadcast live by major U.S. television networks. This was because President Trump barred CNN from participating in the White House press pool rotation.
A red baseball cap bearing the word “veto” sat on the Resolute Desk at the event, drawing attention. The 80-year-old President Trump threatened to actively use his presidential veto against legislation the Democrats pursue in the future, while also saying he was ready to work with the opposition.


[email protected] Yoon Jae-joon Reporter