Donald Trump could be delayed from using Oval Office for a year
The President-elect's introduction into the Oval Office could be disrupted
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Donald Trump could find his access to the hallowed Oval Office delayed and disrupted for a year after Barack Obama's administration put back renovation works, it has been reported.
According to former George W Bush adviser Karl Rove, Mr Trump may instead serve his first year across the street in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
It was here that Democrat President Richard Nixon recorded his infamous Watergate tapes.
“My understanding is that for the first year of his time in office, President Trump will not have the Oval Office,” said Mr Rove, speaking to Fox News on Wednesday.
“President Obama could have told the Secret Service, ‘I know you want to modernise the Oval Office with security enhancements – literally strip it down to the bare walls and build it back up so we’ve got bulletproof glass and so forth and so on, security arrangements in it, in my last year in office’ but instead he said, ‘Why don’t you do that [with] whoever comes next’.
“My understanding is, [Trump] will spend most of his first year using Richard Nixon’s old office in the Old Executive Office Building across Executive Drive and up the Navy steps.”
Obama had the Oval Office renovated in 2010, while he was on holiday, and it was adorned with big fluffy sofas and striped wallpaper.
Elle Décor editor-in-chief Michael Boodro said: “It [looked] much more comfortable and less intimidating.”
Meanwhile, the drama surrounding Mr Trump's transition from president-elect to president continues.
Top United States security chief James Clapper resigned on Wednesday, while Mr Trump has faced criticism for hiring his three children and son-in-law.
Respected Republican figure Mike Rogers has also quit the former the transition team.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments