President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday designating the White House Oval Office and some surrounding rooms a national monument, a step he said would prevent future presidents from making certain changes to the office.
The order says presidents may still redecorate, choose furnishings and make ordinary operational and security modifications that do not substantially impair the monument’s historic structure or architectural character. It calls for the National Park Service to maintain the office and protect its historic character and architectural integrity.
Trump has altered the office during his second term, adding numerous gold features. The order also follows his demolition of the White House East Wing for a ballroom project that has faced legal challenges and was not approved by Congress.
The White House is already designated a National Historic Landmark. Greg Werkheiser of the historic preservation law firm Cultural Heritage Partners criticized the new order, arguing that the administration has disregarded other historic sites and sought through lawsuits to weaken preservation laws.