Obama jokes about Trump's gold Oval Office changes
USA Today • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Former President Barack Obama humorously criticized President Donald Trump's gold-themed modifications to the Oval Office during a promotional clip for HBO Max's show "Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness."
- Obama specifically referenced the gold-script sign outside the Oval Office, introduced by Trump in November 2025, noting it was not part of the traditional design.
- Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has added gold accents to various parts of the Oval Office and defended these changes as a "beautification" effort amid political criticism.
- Trump has also initiated controversial White House renovations, including demolishing the East Wing for a new ballroom and replacing the Rose Garden lawn with stone tiles, both facing legal and public scrutiny.
