'Nobody can touch it': Trump order bars future prezs from changing Oval Office decor

Under the US system, presidents have considerable authority to make changes to the White House

US President Donald Trump has moved to protect his revamped Oval Office from future alterations, signing an executive order declaring it a national monument and placing it under the management of the National Park Service.Trump, who has extensively remodelled the office since returning to the White House, said the move would prevent future presidents from dismantling or making major changes to the space."So we're making it a national monument, and it will not be allowed to be touched by anybody, destroyed, ripped down by stupid people, in order to build something in a slightly different shape," Trump said on Thursday.The order designates the Oval Office, along with some adjoining rooms, as a national monument and directs the National Park Service to protect its historic character and architectural integrity, BBC reported.However, it does not prevent the president from redecorating the office, changing its furnishings or making routine operational and security-related modifications, provided these do not substantially affect its historic structure or architectural character."We like the Oval Office, and it's a symbol like the White House itself. It's a symbol of our country and the greatness of our country," Trump said.Under the US system, presidents have considerable authority to make changes to the White House, although major construction projects require congressional approval.

The president also has the power to designate national monuments, which receive protection and management under federal law.The White House as a whole is already designated a National Historic Landmark. Trump's proclamation acknowledges the existing status but argues that the Oval Office deserves separate recognition and protection as a historically significant space.The office, in its present location, dates back to the early 1930s, when it was established during the presidency of Franklin D Roosevelt.Since beginning his second term, Trump has introduced sweeping decorative changes to the Oval Office, including extensive gold accents, gold-framed paintings and portraits. The president, a former real estate developer, has also pursued several high-profile construction and beautification projects in Washington, DC.However, the move has drawn questions over its significance and whether it can prevent future presidents from making changes.