When Donald Trump took office in January 2017, he brought more than just his political ideas to the White House—he brought a unique and bold sense of style. As with many presidents before him, Trump made several changes to the interior design of the White House, tailoring America’s most famous residence to match his personality, preferences, and political branding.
In this article, we’ll take a visual tour of Trump’s White House changes, exploring how the 45th president altered historic rooms, added personal flair, and left behind a legacy of visual transformation. From golden drapes to redesigned offices, the changes offer insight into the man behind the presidency—and the message he aimed to project to the world.
The White House isn’t just a residence—it’s a powerful symbol of American leadership. Every president leaves their mark on it, and Trump was no exception. From the Oval Office to the Rose Garden, many areas saw noticeable updates during his four-year term.
Unlike some past presidents who opted for subtle or traditional changes, Trump’s updates were often bold, luxurious, and unmistakably “Trump.” Whether people approved of his style or not, the transformations sparked conversation, media attention, and photo comparisons.
Trump’s White House changes began in the Oval Office
Within days of his inauguration, Trump’s first big move was revamping the Oval Office. Gone were Barack Obama’s beige curtains and cool-toned furniture. In their place, Trump installed rich, golden drapes that immediately gave the room a more opulent, dramatic look.
Other additions included:
These changes were widely photographed and discussed. The goal seemed clear: Trump wanted the Oval Office to reflect strength, power, and a classic, presidential image with a luxurious twist.
The lobby of the West Wing, which many visitors and staff pass through daily, also received a makeover. Under Trump’s direction, the space was updated with brighter lighting and a fresh coat of white paint, giving it a cleaner, more refined look.
Marble touches, elegant floral arrangements, and gold-framed presidential photos were added to enhance the grand aesthetic.
These touches aligned with Trump’s long-standing appreciation for hotel-style luxury, reminiscent of his properties like Trump Tower and Mar-a-Lago.
In the Roosevelt Room, Trump’s team made subtle but noticeable updates. A portrait of Andrew Jackson—Trump’s political idol—was placed prominently, replacing other artworks. This was part of a broader effort to signal Trump’s populist approach and admiration for strong, controversial leaders.
He also:
These changes served to blend presidential tradition with Trump’s modern political messaging.
Trump approved a long-overdue tech upgrade to the White House Situation Room, where top-level national security decisions are made. The room, originally built in the 1960s, was renovated in 2018 with updated monitors, more secure communications equipment, and improved seating.
Though photos of the Situation Room are rare due to security reasons, insiders noted that the room became more efficient and visually streamlined—an effort to bring it up to modern standards.
While Trump focused on the West Wing and symbolic rooms, First Lady Melania Trump made her own mark on the East Wing and residential spaces.
Some of her major updates included:
Melania’s changes were more understated and aimed to preserve the classic elements of the White House while making them look fresh and elegant.
One of the most talked-about projects during Trump’s presidency was the 2020 Rose Garden renovation led by Melania Trump. Originally designed by Jacqueline Kennedy and favored by many, the garden was completely overhauled.
Changes included:
While the project aimed to restore historical accuracy to the garden’s original 1960s blueprint, it faced backlash for removing iconic trees and floral elements many Americans loved.
Another of Trump’s White House changes involved the artwork and presidential portraits displayed in key locations. He favored showcasing:
Trump removed certain pieces that had been favored by past presidents, often replacing them with works or portraits that better reflected his worldview. This choice sparked discussion on how presidents use visual cues to shape their legacy and align with past leaders.
The Trump White House also brought dramatic seasonal transformations, especially during the holidays. Melania Trump’s Christmas decorations often became viral moments online due to their bold or unconventional style.
Some memorable Christmas themes included:
While some praised the creativity, others called it gothic or over-the-top. Either way, it drew attention and made headlines every year.
Though less photographed, Trump and Melania also made updates to the private dining room and residential living spaces. These areas were reportedly refreshed with:
Sources close to the White House noted that while public rooms were flashy, the private quarters remained elegant and comfortable, suited for family life.
When President Joe Biden took office in 2021, some of Trump’s White House changes were reversed, while others remained.
Changes reversed by Biden:
What stayed:
This highlights how each president puts their own stamp on the White House, while still respecting the traditions of those who came before.
Every alteration made during Trump’s presidency—whether stylistic or structural—was done with a purpose. For some, the gold accents and bold photos reflected vanity; for others, it symbolized confidence and strength. Regardless of perspective, it’s clear that these changes were part of Trump’s broader strategy to leave a lasting mark.
His changes:
And, perhaps most notably, they made the White House a talking point not just for politics—but for design, history, and culture.
Today, many of Trump’s White House changes live on through photographs, archives, and public memory. Whether you agreed with his aesthetics or not, these photos serve as a unique time capsule of one of the most unconventional presidencies in modern American history.
From the golden Oval Office to the snowy Rose Garden, Trump’s White House changes were as bold and unfiltered as the man himself.
Every president changes the White House in their own way. But Donald Trump’s updates stood out for their dramatic flair, symbolism, and intention to create a lasting visual impression.
By exploring these changes through photos, we gain more than just design insight—we better understand the leadership style, priorities, and image-building strategy of one of America’s most talked-about leaders.
Whether admired or criticized, Trump’s White House changes ensured that the 45th presidency would not be forgotten.
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