Trump says he rejected Secret Service plan to tear down Oval Office; "My a--, you can't build a new one. This is a special place"

Former President Donald Trump disclosed that he turned down a suggestion from the U.S. Secret Service to demolish the Oval Office, stating, "My a--, you can't build a new one. This is a special place." Trump recounted the conversation, saying, "I see the Secret Service looking, and I say, 'What are you guys looking at?'" He recalled a Secret Service official saying, "Sir, we think the Oval Office should be taken down, and we'll build a new one, sir."

Trump, who has made extensive renovations to the Oval Office, including adding gold-colored appliqués and ornate decorations, expressed pride in his work, saying, "I picked it all myself. I'm very proud of it." He emphasized the importance of the Oval Office, stating, "This beautiful room that nobody should be allowed to rip down." Trump has also sought to make the Oval Office a federal landmark to protect his changes from future alterations.⁵

During his presidency, Trump has made significant modifications to the White House, including demolishing parts of the East Wing and redesigning the Rose Garden. He described the White House as a "symbol of America" and criticized its previous state, calling it a "disgraceful dump."

Trump’s renovations reflect his real estate background and desire to leave a lasting mark on the nation's capital, asserting, "I do that better than anybody else."