Trump gives Oval Office a makeover to reflect his ‘brand’
The Hindu
Right outside the Oval Office in a gold frame hangs a photo of Mr. Trump — his 2023 mugshot, as featured on the cover of a tabloid newspaper, from when he was booked in Georgia for alleged attempts to interfere with the 2020 election.
U.S. President Donald Trump promised a new “golden age” for the country. In the Oval Office, at least, he has lived up to his promise with a blingy makeover.
The Republican has decked out the inner sanctum of the U.S. presidency with gilded trophies and gold-plated, Trump-branded coasters, and filled almost every available inch of wall space with portraits of his predecessors.
Almost every day seems to bring something new. This week Mr. Trump installed a copy of the Declaration of Independence — the historic document triggering the country’s freedom from the British monarchy 250 years ago.
Far more than during his first term, it is as if the 78-year-old former reality TV star and billionaire property mogul is creating something that is part-studio and part-exclusive real estate.
One of Trump’s proudest touches, though, is a very unconventional portrait that hangs near those of his illustrious forebears. Right outside the Oval Office in a gold frame hangs a photo of Mr. Trump — his 2023 mugshot, as featured on the cover of a tabloid newspaper, from when he was booked in Georgia for alleged attempts to interfere with the 2020 election.
The ostentatious display should probably not come as a surprise for a man who announced his first presidential run by descending on a golden escalator at Trump Tower in New York.
The billionaire has long branded everything he can with his name, from buildings to Bibles.
Edinburgh Airport halts all flights due to IT issues; passengers should check with airlines for updates.
Odisha Minister confirms that the inquiry report into the Nepalese student's death at KIIT University is currently under examination.
Hong Kong's upcoming legislative election faces low turnout as residents mourn a devastating fire that claimed 159 lives.
Harvard professor Carlos Portugal Gouvea arrested for discharging a pellet gun near a synagogue; agrees to leave the U.S.
Macron cautioned Zelenskyy that the U.S. might pressure Ukraine into territorial concessions to Russia without security guarantees.
A Canadian national was arrested at the Indo-Nepal border for using a fake immigration stamp on his passport.
Appeals court permits Trump to maintain National Guard deployment in D.C., reversing a lower court's order to withdraw troops.
Iraq retracts its terror designation of Hezbollah and Houthis, citing an error amid regional political pressures and public backlash.
U.S. military strikes drug boats amid scrutiny over legality and rising casualties, prompting investigations and conflicting congressional testimonies.
Indian envoy Santosh Jha meets Sri Lanka’s Housing Minister to discuss reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah's devastating impact.
The U.S. and Kenya sign a $2.5 billion health deal, marking the start of "America First" global health agreements.
Explore the resilience and daily realities of Ukrainians enduring relentless warfare in a country forever changed by conflict.
Trump's envoys engage with Ukraine amid eased sanctions on Russia, seeking to advance peace negotiations following recent talks with Putin.