President Donald Trump has taken a hands-on role in transforming the look of the White House, embracing a gilded aesthetic that mirrors the opulence of his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

According to a recent article by The Wall Street Journal, Trump has recently overseen the addition of golden accents throughout the presidential residence, from the Oval Office to private spaces — a redesign effort he’s directing personally in his spare time.

Helping carry out his vision is John Icard, a longtime collaborator on Mar-a-Lago’s interiors, described by one adviser as Trump’s trusted “golden guy.” Under Icard’s direction, the Oval Office has been adorned with custom gold leaf detailing, including ornate carvings on the fireplace and gilded ceiling moldings.

“This is a golden office for a golden age,” declared White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt in an email.

The upgrades bring a familiar gleam to those who have visited Mar-a-Lago, where gold dominates the décor — from ceilings and picture frames to desks and walls. The estate’s original designer, Joseph Urban, was inspired by European palaces and brought an operatic flair to the interiors.

Administration officials say Trump personally approved the gilded fireplace design and imported golden cherub sculptures from Mar-a-Lago to add a more personal touch. The Oval Office mantel now holds seven gold-colored vases and urns, replacing the plants that previously decorated it during both the Biden administration and Trump’s first term.

According to a recent guest, Trump also added a golden Trump family crest above the entrance from the White House colonnade. Gold nameplates bearing his name now rest on side tables, and his private dining room near the Oval Office has also received golden upgrades.

Trump reportedly explored replacing the Oval Office chandelier but was advised that his preferred fixture was too heavy for the existing ceiling structure.

His attention to aesthetics extended to official portraiture. Last month, the government’s printing office received an unusual request from the White House: Trump wanted his portrait — along with that of Vice President JD Vance — reprinted with a shimmering golden frame that would reflect light. The request required specialized gold ink and delayed production, as some versions had already been printed with more understated white borders, according to an internal document.

Trump’s well-known affinity for gold hasn’t gone unnoticed by world leaders. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once presented him with a golden pager, hinting at Israel’s military stance toward Hezbollah. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba gifted him a gold samurai helmet during a February visit.

During his first term, Trump made only modest changes to the White House interior, mostly swapping artwork and adding flags. But this time, aides say, he’s fully engaged in reshaping the building’s image — one gold accent at a time.

By Tamilla Hasanova

Source: caliber.az