Donald Trump has returned to the White House and started making some changes to the Oval Office to reflect his personal style. While we can’t know exactly what a president’s typical workday entails, we do know that the Oval Office often serves as a reflection of their preferences and priorities.
During Joe Biden’s tenure, the Oval Office was decorated with portraits of figures like Benjamin Franklin and Franklin D. Roosevelt, but Trump has replaced them with portraits of Andrew Jackson and George Washington. He’s also brought back a bust of Winston Churchill, which was in the Oval Office during his first presidency, and restored the five military service flags around his desk.
Trump swapped out Biden’s dark blue Oval Office rug for the lighter, neutral one he had during his first term. Personal touches are also important for presidents, and Trump has included photos of his family, such as his Scottish mother, Mary Anne MacLeod Trump, and his children.
One of the most talked-about rumors from Trump’s first time in office was the alleged “Diet Coke button,” where it was claimed that Trump could press a button to have an aide deliver a can of Diet Coke. While this was exaggerated over time, it turns out Trump likely used the existing Presidential Call button on the Resolute Desk to signal his desire for a Diet Coke. This button allows aides to be called into the Oval Office when needed, and in Trump’s case, it became a convenient way to request his favorite drink.
