Trump signs proclamation to make Oval Office, Cabinet Room national monuments

President Trump signed a proclamation on Thursday designating the Oval Office and Cabinet Room as national monuments. He said it would keep future presidents from making major changes to the rooms without congressional approval, according to NBC News and The Hill.

Trump noted Congress would have to ratify the proclamation, The Hill and ABC News report. The Hill quotes him saying "no major modifications" could be made without Congress. Fox News and The Guardian report the aim is to stop future administrations from altering his design of the rooms.

The Guardian reports Trump spoke from behind the Resolute Desk. It says he wants to make sure the designs are not "ripped down by stupid people."

Since returning to office, Trump has overseen design changes to several White House rooms, PBS NewsHour reports. The Oval Office now has portraits, a copy of the Declaration of Independence and many golden accents. The BBC adds that he has also launched construction projects across Washington.

The New York Times says the move reinforces his focus on White House renovations since the midterm elections. NBC News reports it was the second straight day he spoke about White House decor in post-midterm remarks. The Guardian says the focus began in the days after his party's election losses.