Trump announces addition of a golden eagle to the White House in America's 250 celebration

Since taking the Oval Office for the second time, Trump has left an unprecedented mark on the building with a major glided makeover
Donald Trump appeared to announce the addition of a golden eagle ornament for the White House‘s exterior to commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States (White House/X and AP Photos)
Donald Trump appeared to announce the addition of a golden eagle ornament for the White House‘s exterior to commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States (White House/X and AP Photos)

WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump's signature flair for turning patriotism into a golden spectacle may soon leave yet another glittering imprint on the White House.

The 80-year-old President recently appeared to announce the addition of a golden eagle ornament for the White House‘s exterior to commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States.



Trump gives 'golden gift' to White House

Trump took to his Truth Social on Tuesday, June 30, to share a photo of the new addition, with his latest golden ornament hanging from the Truman Balcony.

“A Golden Gift to the White House for its 250th Birthday Year!” Trump captioned the image.

With an estimated wingspan of seven to eight feet, the oversized eagle dominates the White House's exterior columns.

President Donald Trump waves after speaking at the opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump waves after speaking at the opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The gilded sculpture appears to grip a crest ringed with 11 stars, making it one of the building's most eye-catching decorative additions.

The proposed golden eagle is the latest addition to Trump's broader effort to reshape the White House through an ambitious renovation campaign.

Among the centerpiece projects is a 90,000-square-foot ballroom designed to accommodate up to 1,000 guests, a project Trump says will provide a safer and more practical venue for hosting large events.

Reports have also suggested that Trump may now have set sight on renovating the 200-year-old White House pillars.

President Donald Trump tours Ballroom construction around the outside the White House, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
President Donald Trump tours Ballroom construction around the outside of the White House, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

This development comes a few days after the president seemed to be inspecting the pillars for six minutes after returning from Arlington National Cemetery.

Speculation about a possible overhaul of the White House's iconic columns began after workers were spotted carrying out work on them last week. Since then, many have wondered whether Trump's broader renovation plans could also include redesigning the landmark pillars.

Trump’s gilded White House makeover

Since taking the Oval Office for the second time, Trump has left an unprecedented mark on the building with a major gilded makeover.

From the crown molding on the ceiling to the side table lamps, the golden touch is visible in nearly every corner of the Oval Office. Even the fireplace screen has been redone in gold.

Portraits of prominent historical figures now adorn ornate gold frames, replacing the simpler wooden ones that previously lined the White House walls.

(Screenshot / @@ianbremmer)
From the crown molding on the ceiling to the side table lamps, the golden touch is visible in nearly every corner of the Oval Office. Even the fireplace screen has been redone in gold (Screenshot / @@ianbremmer)

According to CNN, “There is gold everywhere: new gold vermeil figurines on the mantle and medallions on the fireplace, gold eagles on the side tables, gilded Rococo mirrors on the doors, and, nestled in the pediments above the doorways, diminutive gold cherubs shipped in from Mar-a-Lago.”

The gilded makeover extends beyond the Oval Office into the Cabinet Room, where gold trim, wall coverings, and other decorative accents have been added throughout the space.

Trump has also installed ornate chandeliers and added more flags representing different military branches, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Along the walkway outside the West Wing, President Trump has added a unique “Presidential Walk of Fame” in an employee-of-the-month style. The portraits are arranged by administration, which means there are two images of Trump and two of former President Grover Cleveland, who served as both the 22nd and 24th president.

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