US President Donald Trump has once again caught attention online, this time by showing off lavish gold decorations in the Oval Office and Cabinet Room. On September 28, he shared a video on X featuring gold-coloured wall mouldings that looked ready to be fitted in the White House.
In his post, Trump described them as “some of the highest quality 24 Karat Gold,” adding that visiting world leaders were “flabbergasted” by the sight. Signing off with “President DJT,” he wrote: “Foreign leaders and everyone else ‘freak out’ when they see the quality and beauty. Best Oval Office ever, in terms of success and look!!!”
The video spread widely online, with many users questioning the timing of the post. Critics pointed out that while the US is grappling with issues ranging from farmers losing their land to millions at risk of losing healthcare and food aid, along with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, the president chose to highlight luxury decorations.
Some speculated that the gold pieces were not solid but likely gold paint or gold leaf. Decorative medallions seen in the video also sparked chatter after reporter Jon Keegan suggested they looked similar to foam decorations listed on Chinese e-commerce site Ali Baba for about $1 each.
This is not the first time the golden theme has come up. During a March interview with Fox News, Trump was asked about the new details and replied that the Oval Office needed “a little life.” He noted that making gold paint look like real gold was “difficult.”
A White House spokesperson told Fox News that the gold decorations were purchased and paid for personally by Trump.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt earlier described the makeover as “a golden office for the golden age for both America and the Middle East." While some supporters echoed that sentiment, the broader response online leaned towards scepticism and satire.