A new book titled *Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump*, authored by journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, sheds light on the unusual domestic dynamics of former President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump during his second term in office. The book, released this week, reveals that upon returning to the White House, the couple’s separate living accommodations sparked a competitive spirit between them—specifically in regard to the decoration of their individual bedrooms.
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The authors note that the Trumps were the first presidential couple since Richard and Pat Nixon to frequently occupy separate bedrooms. Melania reportedly took the master suite, known as Room 219, which includes a dressing room, while Donald occupied Room 220, adjacent to the Yellow Oval Office. According to Haberman and Swan, White House staff often found themselves caught between the two, particularly when it came to decor decisions.
In instances where staff would gently remind the President that he was appropriating items that Melania had personally selected for their shared areas, Trump allegedly demonstrated indifference. The book illustrates a peculiar rivalry, with suggestions that Trump was intentionally striving to create a more impressive private space than his wife, leading to staff members photographing potential decor changes for Melania’s approval.
The authors detail that during the weeks following Trump’s second inauguration, Melania was often absent from the White House—this sentiment echoed elements from his first term. The competitive nature reportedly intensified, with the staff finding themselves photographing items and arrangements in an effort to earn the First Lady’s approval.
Further insights reveal how each room was tailored to meet the preferences of the occupants. The book depicts Trump’s penchant for gilded craftsmanship. He aimed to embellish his bedroom with gold accents and decorative pieces, often taking matters into his own hands by transporting items he desired from various parts of the White House.
In a more personal characterisation, Trump is described as a “television addict,” with three televisions placed throughout his quarters—two situated in his bedroom and one located in the bathroom, which was reported to be fully carpeted. The carpeting reportedly raised concerns among staff regarding potential mould growth, particularly in the wet areas of the bathroom. Their attempts to manage this included rotating smaller pieces of the same carpet to replace and dry out the saturated areas.
Additionally, Trump’s commitment to interior renovations extended beyond his personal quarters. In October 2025, he took to social media to share his redesign of a bathroom connected to the historic Lincoln Bedroom. He remarked on the extensive renovations he undertook, emphasising an upscale aesthetic meant to align with the grandeur of the Lincoln Bedroom itself.
*Regime Change* also portrays the strain Trump’s focus on interior design placed on White House personnel. Staff members expressed their hopes for Melania to return and help temper her husband’s decor plans, especially when he proposed transforming the Rose Garden into a patio reminiscent of his Mar-a-Lago residence. The backlash from the First Lady’s team was significant, as her displeasure became evident. Ultimately, a compromise was reached: the grass would be paved over with white stone, while maintaining the integrity of the rosebushes.
In summary, *Regime Change* provides a captivating glimpse into the personal lives of the Trumps during their time in the White House, highlighting both their distinct living arrangements and the impact of the First Family’s domestic choices on staff dynamics. The book presents a rich account of how personal preference and a competitive edge influenced the environment within one of the world’s most scrutinised residences. As discussions around the Trump presidency continue, this new publication invites reflections on the intersections of personal and political life in the highest office of the United States.