Donald Trump Flew In His ‘Gold Guy’ to Give the White House a Mar-a-Lago Makeover

Donald Trump has made headlines yet again, not for his political moves but for his taste in interior design. The former president reportedly called upon his ‘gold guy’ to give the White House a makeover reminiscent of his lavish Mar-a-Lago estate. Trump’s return to the White House in January saw a swift shift in the aesthetic of the presidential residence, with each new decoration seemingly inspired by his Palm Beach property.

An article by The Wall Street Journal, published on April 16, disclosed that Trump enlisted the help of cabinetmaker John Icart, known for his work on projects at Mar-a-Lago, to incorporate gold finishes throughout the White House. The additions included golden borders on portraits of Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, gilded carvings for the fireplace mantle, a gold Trump crest on a doorway, and even gold coasters with his last name emblazoned on them. It seems that no corner of the White House was spared from the golden touch.

Icart, referred to as Trump’s “gold guy” by an advisor, played a significant role in executing the president’s bold design choices. He reportedly travelled from Florida to Washington, D.C., with Trump on Air Force One to assist with the décor. While Icart chose to stay mum on the details, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the transformation as creating a “Golden Office for the Golden Age.”

In a March interview with Fox News, Trump proudly showcased the gold embellishments while giving a tour of the White House. He explained the significance of the colour gold, stating that it symbolises luck, something he believed the country needed more of. The camera captured the extravagant gold fixtures spread throughout the building, reflecting Trump’s opulent style and taste.

Despite the grandeur of the makeover, Trump had even bigger plans for the White House. Reports suggest that he explored the possibility of hanging a chandelier in the Oval Office, only to be informed that it was too heavy for the designated location. This ambitious design idea was one of many that Trump entertained during his time in the White House.

In a surprising move earlier this month, the White House switched the official portrait of former President Barack Obama for a painting based on a photograph of Trump following the July 2024 assassination attempt. This decision broke from the tradition of prominently displaying the two most recent presidential portraits in the Grand Foyer for public viewing, marking a significant departure from past practices.

The White House makeover under Trump’s direction continues to spark conversations, with each addition reflecting his signature style. The fusion of opulence and politics in the heart of Washington, D.C., serves as a testament to Trump’s lasting influence on the presidential residence. Whether his design choices will stand the test of time remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Trump’s ‘gold guy’ has left an indelible mark on the White House.