By Basant El-Faramawy
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel sharply criticized President Donald Trump's proclamation designating the Oval Office a national monument during his Thursday night monologue. Trump, 80, held a ceremony two days after Republican midterm losses to declare both the Oval Office and the White House Cabinet Room national monuments, aiming to preserve his extensive gold-themed renovations.
Trump's lavish Oval Office overhaul
The president has filled the room with gold accents, cherubs, urns, framed portraits, and a gold cursive sign reading "The Oval Office." Former President Barack Obama previously likened the decor to "Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory." Trump stated the designation would prevent future presidents from removing his additions.
Kimmel's 'skid mark' verdict
Kimmel, 58, referred to Trump as "Tacky-O" and said the proclamation ensures "no future president can remove any of his crap." He quipped, "That's right. His historic Diet Coke button will be preserved for many generations to come." Comparing the office to "the gift shop at the Liberace Museum," Kimmel delivered a two-word verdict, calling the landmark designation more of a "skid mark."
Midterm context and future speculation
Kimmel questioned the timing right after the midterms, suggesting Trump "maybe he's planning to leave sooner than we think?" He vowed that on January 20, 2029, "we are going to yank that crap down and throw it out faster than Melania moves back to New York." The host also recently celebrated Democratic House gains, referencing a "blue wave" and a "Red Wedding" from Game of Thrones.
