As President Donald Trump urges Americans to tighten their belts and save money amid rising prices from tariffs, he is making it clear that cost-saving measures don’t extend to his office decor. While advising the public to limit their purchases — only buying three to five dolls for their children, or five pencils instead of 250 — Trump boasts about his extravagant renovations to the Oval Office.
During a meeting with newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump proudly showed off the newly redesigned Oval Office, telling reporters, “You see the new and improved Oval Office… and 24-karat gold, that always helps too.” The room, which now features gold-plated vases, moldings, and yellow reliefs, embodies a style that critics have likened to a flashy and excessive version of Versailles.
Earlier this week, in the same office, Trump defended his remarks to NBC News about how Americans can save money by cutting back on toys and other purchases. His comments about limiting dolls to three to five instead of 30, or pencils to five instead of 250, were widely criticized as disconnected from the realities faced by most American families.
His fixation on such small-scale items as dolls and pencils reflects a troubling lack of understanding of the financial challenges many face, and further illustrates how detached he is from the economic struggles of everyday Americans.
Meanwhile, the impact of Trump’s tariffs is already being felt, with consumers experiencing higher prices on everyday goods. No significant tariff deals have materialized despite Trump’s claims of ongoing negotiations, and as stockpiles of goods dwindle, prices are expected to rise further. But while many Americans are struggling to make ends meet, the president’s office remains a symbol of opulence — all “with love” and 24-karat gold.
