Donald Trump (AP)
US President Donald Trump praised the 24-karat gold in the Oval Office and Cabinet Room of the White House, emphasizing its “look and success.” Describing the Oval Office as the “best ever,” Trump stated that foreign leaders and visitors “freak out” when they see the gold.”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!!!” Trump said through a post on Truth Social. Trump has previously described the room as needing “a little life” and noted the challenge of making gold paint look like real gold, as reported by Fox News.Despite this, Trump continued the refurbishments in the following months, increasing the use of gold throughout the office. Gold trim was added to the ceiling, door frames, and fireplace, while sculpted cherubim inside the door frames were also painted gold.During his administration, the number of gold trophies and vases on the mantle increased, and gold coasters bearing Trump’s name were added.A White House spokesperson said that the gold, described as “of the highest quality,” was purchased personally by Trump, as per Fox News. Trump also expanded the number of paintings on display in the Oval Office, with nearly 20 portraits of former presidents adorning the walls. By comparison, his predecessor Joe Biden displayed six paintings, while Barack Obama had only two. To assist with the project, Trump reportedly enlisted the help of his personal “gold guy.”John Icart, a 70-year-old cabinet maker from Florida, was flown to Washington on Air Force One to replicate the gilded flourishes he had added to Trump’s Palm Beach residence, Mar-a-Lago, as reported by the Guardian. The ornate gold carvings Icart installed in the Oval Office led White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt to describe it as a “golden office for the golden age.”
