A sign identifying “The Oval Office” that had drawn significant criticism has been removed from its location outside the office’s door at the White House. The gold-lettered sign, printed in a decorative font known as “Shelley Script” on white paper, was installed earlier this month and soon became a topic of mockery and debate within political circles and late-night television shows.
Critics seized the opportunity to highlight the sign’s appearance during the ongoing government shutdown, with comedian Jimmy Fallon quipping, “The government may be closed, but at least Kinko’s is up and running,” on “The Tonight Show.” Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Pa., also took to social media to criticize the sign, stating it was visually unappealing while raising concerns about broader social issues such as food assistance. Sen. Lisa Blunt, D-Del., echoed similar sentiments, urging a focus on supporting struggling Americans rather than engaging in such decor projects.
Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office humorously responded with a manipulated image that altered “The Oval Office” to “Live, laugh, LOSE,” poking fun at President Donald Trump amid discussions related to Proposition 50 aimed at curbing Republican congressional seat expansions.
The fate of the sign now remains uncertain, as the White House has not provided clarity on whether it will be reinstated or replaced with a more permanent fixture. According to reports, a White House spokesperson indicated that President Trump had personally selected the lettering style and remains engaged in beautification efforts around the White House. The spokesperson defended the design, asserting that only those suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome” would object to the aesthetic changes.
Since returning to office, Trump has actively pursued various design projects at the White House. This includes the contentious demolition of parts of the East Wing for a ballroom, alterations to the Rose Garden, and changes that reflected his personal branding style, similar to those seen at his properties like Mar-a-Lago.
Design professionals have commented on the now-removed sign, expressing concerns that its aesthetics do not align with traditional presidential decor practices. While some believe that Trump’s branding approach reflects consistency with his presidential image, others argue that it detracts from the gravitas associated with the White House.
Overall, while the decoration decisions have garnered backlash, they highlight President Trump’s distinctive approach to his presidency’s image and the ongoing discussions around what the White House symbolizes in contemporary politics.