Trump signs order to stop future presidents removing his gold-covered Oval Office decor as judge blocks construction of 250ft ‘Arc de Trump’

Donald Trump has signed an executive order declaring his gold-decorated Oval Office a national monument, saying future presidents should not be able to remove its new furnishings. The move follows criticism of his changes and comes alongside a setback to another White House-linked building project: a federal judge has temporarily halted plans for a 250-foot triumphal arch in Washington.

Trump said he paid for the Oval Office work himself and described the room as improved. The arch, estimated to cost about $100 million, was approved by the National Capital Planning Commission in an 8-4 vote after nine hours of debate, but Judge Tanya Chutkan issued a 14-day order barring construction-related work. Critics, including Democrats and veterans, raised concerns that it could obstruct views of Arlington National Cemetery; the White House said it expects to prevail in the case.