Trump Shares Unique Perspective on Presidential Portraits and White House Decor

During a recent Cabinet meeting, former U.S. President Donald Trump shared his unique perspective on presidential portraits and the redecorating of the White House. Trump, known for his distinctive taste, revealed that he often judges the esteem of his predecessors based on the aesthetic appeal of their portraits and the frames that surround them. He expressed a particular fondness for frames, sometimes preferring them over the portraits themselves.

Trump recounted the extensive effort he put into redecorating the Cabinet Room, personally selecting the portraits and even choosing the drapes. He mentioned that he had spent considerable time in the White House vaults, where he handpicked the artwork and portraits that now adorn the walls. Trump also discussed his decision to repaint the room in gold leaf, a suggestion that was met with approval from his Cabinet members.

One of the anecdotes Trump shared involved directing the relocation of a grandfather clock from Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s office to the White House. He joked about the power he holds as president to take items he likes from various government departments, although there is no record of him visiting the State Department during Rubio’s tenure.

Trump’s comments on the portraits of past presidents were varied and often reflected his personal opinions. He praised Andrew Jackson as "the great Andrew Jackson" and William McKinley as a "great president who never got credit." He also mentioned James K. Polk, noting that Polk’s portrait was chosen partly because its frame matched that of Jackson’s portrait, which Trump found aesthetically pleasing. Trump also highlighted Dwight D. Eisenhower’s contributions, including the construction of the Interstate Highway System and his strong stance on immigration.

Franklin D. Roosevelt, whom Trump described as "an amazing man," was noted for his four terms in office and his wheelchair-bound status, which led to the installation of ramps outside the White House. Trump also commented on Abraham Lincoln, mentioning that Lincoln’s portrait was once in his bedroom and that the Lincoln Bedroom was a place where wars are ended, not declared. He also corrected a historical inaccuracy regarding John Adams and John Quincy Adams, clarifying that John Adams and his wife Abigail were the first occupants of the White House, while John Quincy Adams was the sixth president.

Trump’s remarks on the portraits and the redecorating of the White House provide a glimpse into his personal preferences and his approach to presidential history. His comments reflect a blend of admiration for certain presidents and a focus on the aesthetic and practical aspects of the White House’s decor.