'Best Oval Office ever': Trump hails 24-karat gold revamp, recalls foreign leaders' reaction

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump boasted about the 24-karat gold decor in the Oval Office and Cabinet Room of the White House, highlighting that it impressed foreign leaders.

The revamp is personally funded and expanded by him, and is being called the "golden office for the golden age."

The golden revamp of Oval Office

Taking to Truth Social on Sunday, September 28, Donald Trump posted a video of the latest gold trimmings to adorn the Oval Office, along with the caption, "Some of the highest quality 24 Karat Gold used in the Oval Office and Cabinet Room of the White House."

“Foreign Leaders, and everyone else, ‘freak out’ when they see the quality and beauty. Best Oval Office ever, in terms of success and look!!!” he added, signing the post “President DJT.”

According to a report by Fox News, Trump had previously described the room as needing a little life and pointed out the challenge of making the gold paint look like real gold.

In the following months, he continued the refurbishments, increasing the use of gold throughout the office. Gold trims were added to the ceiling, door frames, and fireplace, while sculpted cherubim inside the door frames were also painted with gold. 

The number of gold trophies and vases on the mantle increased, and gold coasters bearing Trump’s name were added. According to a White House spokesperson, the gold used in the revamp was of the highest quality and was purchased by the Republican leader himself. 

The 79-year-old has also increased the number of paintings in the Oval Office, with nearly 20 portraits of previous presidents on the walls. His predecessor, Joe Biden, displayed six paintings, while Barack Obama had only two.

The 'gold guy' to assist the project

To oversee the project, Donald Trump enlisted the help of a person reportedly called “the gold guy.”

According to a report by The Guardian, John Icart, a 70-year-old cabinet maker from Florida, was flown to Washington on Air Force One to replicate the golden gilded flourishes he had added to Trump’s Palm Beach residence, Mar-a-Lago.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has described the gold installations as the “golden office for the golden age.”

White House refurbishments under Trump

The new developments in the White House are part of Donald Trump’s refurbishment plans, including the latest lobby leading to the Oval Office, now dubbed the “Palm Room,” which now features white marble and sparkling chandeliers.

Earlier this month, the construction of the new ballroom at the White House started, which will cost $200 million. It is expected to be ready when Trump’s tenure ends in 2029. He also revamped the Rose Garden, replacing its lawn with a stone patio mirroring Mar-a-Lago's.