Trump Temporarily Replaces Resolute Desk in Oval Office

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the iconic Resolute Desk has been temporarily removed from the Oval Office. The removal comes after Trump stated the desk requires refurbishing.

Trump shared the news on his social media platform, Truth Social, emphasizing the desk’s significance. He indicated that while the Resolute Desk is being refinished, the Oval Office will feature the C&O desk, which he described as “beautiful” but “temporary.” The C&O desk was originally designed for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway and has a historical connection to several past presidents.

Built in the early 20th century and donated to the White House in 1987, the C&O desk was previously used by President George H.W. Bush. Trump noted its significant history: “This desk, the ‘C&O,’ which is also well-known, has been temporarily installed while the Resolute Desk is being lightly refinished—a very important job.” He added, “A President, after election, gets a choice of 1 in 7 desks.”

The Resolute Desk was first used in the Oval Office by President John F. Kennedy in 1961. Since then, nearly every president has used it, with the exception of George H.W. Bush, who opted for the C&O desk during his presidency.

The Resolute Desk is made from the wood of the HMS Resolute, an exploration ship gifted to President Rutherford B. Hayes by Queen Victoria in 1880. It has become a symbol of the presidency and a crucial workspace for the nation’s leaders.

Weighing approximately 1,300 pounds, the Resolute Desk has undergone modifications over the years, including the addition of a kneehole panel in 1945. The desk has been displayed at the Smithsonian between 1966 and 1977 before returning to presidential use under Jimmy Carter.

Trump’s decision to swap out the Resolute desk comes just days after an incident involving Elon Musk’s son, X, who gained attention for his antics in the Oval Office, including reportedly wiping his nose on the Resolute Desk.

While Trump continues to use the C&O desk, the Resolute Desk is anticipated to return to its prominent position in the Oval Office once renovations are complete.

The White House has not released an estimated timeline for the refurbishment. A request for comment was made, but officials did not immediately respond.