Trump focuses on White House decor for second straight day in post-midterm remarks

Two days after Republicans took heavy losses in the midterm elections, President Donald Trump has used his only public remarks to talk about the White House's physical appearance rather than the results. On Thursday he signed a proclamation designating the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room a national monument, and he said he will ask Congress to ratify it. His aim is to keep later presidents from making significant alterations. Trump told reporters any major changes would need congressional approval and said he hopes lawmakers will refuse them, according to NBC News.

The proclamation leaves room for successors to redecorate, bring in new furniture, and carry out routine operational or security work, provided the monument's historic structure and architectural character are not substantially impaired.

On Wednesday, in his first press appearance since the elections, Trump spoke at the construction site of his new ballroom. Preservation groups have criticized that project because it required tearing down the historic East Wing. He argued that the building needs to be flawless. Asked Thursday what Congress should prioritize during the two months of remaining Republican control, he instead praised his own record on the border and the stock market.

Summarized by PolitiKool from NBC News’s reporting. Read the full story at NBC News →