Posted on Jul 17, 2025

This "Then And Now" Picture Of The Oval Office Is Going Viral And Says So, So Much About The Trump Administration

"It's like the Dollar Tree version of Versailles."

by Matt Stopera

BuzzFeed Staff

Hot Topic

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A person in a suit and tie sits in an ornate room, gesturing during a conversation. A fireplace and a bust are visible in the background

Group of officials in a formal meeting room, seated around a table with model aircraft; two figures are shaking hands in the center

People standing in ornate room with microphones overhead, portraits of historical figures on walls

A person sits in a formal room with a decorative mantle behind them, displaying ornate gold vases and sculptures

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Close-up of a gold-toned plaque on a table with the word "TRUMP" and a presidential seal, showing intricate detailing and reflections

A blurred individual in a suit is in the foreground, with ornate golden decorations on the wall behind them

A couple of months ago, AP reporter Michelle L. Price pointed out just how much the Oval Office changed between administrations.

This picture from the White House really shows how many gold accents have been added to the Oval Office. This is how it looked last year: https://t.co/Y2auT8fjTg pic.twitter.com/GCXoyunFjf
— Michelle L. Price (@michellelprice) April 7, 2025

michellelprice/Twitter: @michellelprice

People meeting in a formal setting surrounded by staff and press, with recording equipment visible

Several people sit in a formal room, with one person in a suit shaking hands with another in a blue suit and red tie. Cameras and microphones present

Several people sit in a formal room, with one person in a suit shaking hands with another in a blue suit and red tie. Cameras and microphones present

Split image of two men shaking hands, one of whom is later seen with altered Oval Office gold decor on TV

Two Oval Office meetings: Top shows a current President meeting with a man in a suit. Bottom shows a former President meeting with another man

Two people sit in chairs in a formal setting, one gesturing while speaking

Two individuals are seated in an ornate room. One is in a dark suit with a red tie, the other in a suit with a yellow tie, in front of a decorative fireplace

Split image comparing two U.S. presidents in the Oval Office with guests; top has understated decor, bottom shows opulent, gold-themed setting

Tweet by JermEV: "Which one seems more fiscally responsible...."

Tweet by Renee Libby Yep wishing for undamaged restoration of a fireplace

Two Oval Office meetings: Top shows a current President meeting with a man in a suit. Bottom shows a former President meeting with another man

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