Trump Moves MLK Bust from Oval Office to Dining Room

Washington, D.C. — A bronze bust of Martin Luther King Jr. that was placed in the Oval Office by former President Barack Obama has been relocated to President Donald Trump‘s private dining room, a White House official confirmed to USA TODAY.

The bust, which symbolizes civil rights and social justice, is now situated just steps away from the Oval Office. The room is used by Trump for private meetings and lunches with senior staff, according to the official.

Along with the bust’s relocation, Trump has made various changes to the Oval Office itself. Recent updates include gold ornaments around door frames, gold figurines on the fireplace mantle, and a framed copy of the Declaration of Independence displayed behind blue velvet curtains.

During his first term in office, King’s bust held a prominent spot in the Oval Office, where it was installed by Obama in 2009. In contrast, Trump has reinstated a bust of Winston Churchill, which he returned to the Oval Office on January 20, his first day back in office. This act reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining historical connections with past leaders.

In 2009, Obama moved Churchill’s bust to the White House residence after taking office, while bringing King’s bust from the White House library to symbolize his administration’s commitment to civil rights. King’s bust was created by Black artist Charles Alston in 1970, commissioned for $5,000 by Rev. Donald Harrington for the Community Church of New York.

King’s bust has had a prominent history, initially placed in the White House library during former President Bill Clinton‘s second term in 2000. Earlier this week, the NAACP announced that the sitting president will address its National Convention for the first time in 116 years.