Trump Adds 2 Golden Seals to Oval Office Mantel as 24-Karat Claim Faces $58 Lookalike
Updated
Updated · Raw Story · Jul 14
Trump Adds 2 Golden Seals to Oval Office Mantel as 24-Karat Claim Faces $58 Lookalike
3 articles · Updated · Raw Story · Jul 14
Summary
Two new golden seals appeared on the Oval Office fireplace mantel by Tuesday, adding to the gold ornamentation that has steadily expanded since Trump returned in January 2025.
A new book by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan says Trump has personally glued gilded appliqués onto the mantel, a claim reinforced after a tube of Krazy Glue was spotted on his Resolute Desk Monday.
Trump told Fox News the decorations are made from 24-karat gold, but HuffPost said some curlicue moldings resemble a polyurethane item sold at Home Depot for $58.
Critics say the redesign undercuts the room's traditional symbolism: Washington Post critic Robin Givhan said the Oval Office historically conveyed authority without such embellishment, while a designer called the look gaudy.