White House Removes Controversial Oval Office Sign amid Backlash

Washington, D.C. — A gold-lettered sign identifying the “Oval Office” has been removed from outside the office door at the White House. The sign was only in place for a few weeks and drew heavy criticism from Democrats and design experts alike.

The sign, created in the “Shelley Script” font, became something of a punchline in late-night comedy programs amid a government shutdown. Jimmy Fallon remarked on “The Tonight Show,” “The government may be closed, but at least Kinko’s is up and running.” Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Pa., also voiced criticism on social media, stating, “A: This sign looks like s***,” while highlighting significant issues like access to nutrition assistance for millions of Americans.

Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., echoed similar sentiments, wishing the administration would focus on aiding struggling Americans. The attention surrounding the sign drew further commentary from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who shared a modified version of the sign that replaced “The Oval Office” with a critical message regarding Trump’s agenda.

The sign’s removal comes amid ongoing debates about presidential priorities in light of pressing societal issues. A White House spokesperson, in response to inquiries about the sign’s disappearance, affirmed that President Donald Trump selected the font himself and remains “very involved in these decisions.” They labeled critics as suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”

Experts in typography and design offered mixed reviews, criticizing the aesthetics of the sign and its appropriateness for the historic building. Rick Paulus, a former calligrapher for the White House, stated, “There’s incredibly little signage of any sort in the White House. It’s a house. It’s not a hotel. It’s not a club.”

Though it has been removed, the gold-lettered design was part of a trend that reflects Trump’s branding of the presidency, with particular attention on the aesthetics of the White House since he returned to office.

As the White House has not confirmed whether the sign will return or if it was a permanent fixture, further developments remain awaited. Meanwhile, social media continues to buzz with reactions to both the design and the administration’s focus on aesthetics amid larger issues facing the country.