Replica of Trump’s Oval Office Unveiled in Washington DC

Opening of the Replica

The People’s House: A White House Experience in Washington DC unveiled a full-scale overhaul of its Oval Office replica on 10 October 2026, redesigning the space to reflect Donald Trump’s second-term aesthetic. The new décor features gold appliqués, gold leaf and gold trim, replacing the understated style of previous occupants.

Interior Details

The updated room contains two dozen portraits in heavy carved frames, swirling wall onlays, gleaming brass vases and decorative knick-knacks. Trump’s version of the walls displays historical figures such as George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Benjamin Franklin, Ronald Reagan (twice) and former first lady Jackie Kennedy. A bust of Theodore Roosevelt by James Earle Fraser sits on a bookshelf alongside bound volumes of the 26th president’s works. Other books on display include Hawthorne’s Works and Writings of Washington, two mirrors and a copy of the Declaration of Independence.

Visitor Experience

Visitors, including a 9-year-old Sydney Wright, toured the replica and commented on the gold-laden atmosphere. The attraction, located just 150 yards from the real White House, provides a close approximation of presidential power while the actual building undergoes extensive demolition and construction work. The replica is run by the White House Historical Association and features an orientation film narrated by Martin Sheen.

Public Reactions

Opinions on the gilding vary. Some visitors, such as Drew Wright, a firefighter from Athens, Georgia, praised the homage to the nation’s heritage. Others, like Cheri Lujan Hamilton, the chief clerk of the New Mexico state senate, appreciated the grandeur but felt the gold around the doors was excessive. Police officer Pedro Robles from Nashville, Tennessee, described the replica as “pretty cool” and disputed claims that the gilding was tacky.

Context

The replica offers a tangible experience for those unable to tour the real White House, which is currently undergoing extensive renovation. The redesign reflects Trump’s preference for a gilded, rococo-style interior, a departure from the plain décor of Joe Biden and his predecessors.