Second-hand Oval Office
Trump borrows from ex-Presidents for his White House revamp
HE promised to bring a new style of presidency to the White House.
But Donald Trump is keen to echo the past, if his redesign of the famous Oval Office is anything to go by.
Dominating the room is a huge orangehued sunburst pattern rug first used by Ronald Reagan, while the gaudy golden drapes were last seen during Bill Clinton’s tenure. The cream walls were familiar under most presidents since JFK – until Barack Obama had striped paper put up.
Most traces of Mr Obama’s more modern taste in decor have been removed.
The cream jacquard sofas were used by both Bushes, as were the marble lamps that have replaced designer versions. Alongside the more opulent, traditional look are paintings and statues that pay homage to the fathers of the nation, and symbols of its military might such as flags of America’s armed forces – as well as four Stars and Stripes. Most of Mr Trump’s predecessors were happy with one.
The two-week renovation was completed to Mr Trump’s specifications while the heating and air-conditioning system was replaced. His aides said the new look was designed to ‘bring back the lustre and the glory of the White House’, CBS reported.
Hillary Clinton says Mr Trump’s demeanour during a presidential debate last year made her ‘skin crawl’. In a new book she says her rival shadowed her so closely she had to resist shouting out, ‘Back up you creep, get away from me’.