Why It Matters
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday designating the Oval Office and White House Cabinet Room as a national monument. The order also requires congressional approval for major renovations to either room.
What Happened
The order comes as Trump has focused on renovation projects across Washington, D.C. He tore down the White House East Wing to build a ballroom.
Trump said he would ask Congress to codify the executive order. The proclamation’s text was not available Thursday afternoon.
Trump said “no major modifications” should be made to the rooms without congressional approval. He also said, “We’ve had a lot of victories in this office,” referring to the Oval Office.
By the Numbers
Thursday — date Trump signed the executive order
Oval Office — designated as a national monument
White House Cabinet Room — designated as a national monument
East Wing — torn down to build a ballroom
Two chambers of Congress — chambers where Republicans lost majorities
Zoom Out
Republicans lost majorities in both chambers of Congress after this week’s midterm elections. Trump held a press conference at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool before Election Day, and his post-election press conference focused on updates about ballroom construction.
What’s Next
Trump said he would seek congressional action to codify the executive order. The proclamation text remained unavailable Thursday afternoon.