Former President **Donald Trump** has never shied away from luxury, but his latest stunt has left both critics and supporters buzzing — and laughing. During a highly publicized reveal at Mar-a-Lago this week, Trump showcased a fully reimagined **“24 Karat Gold Oval Office”** design, complete with gilded walls, gold-plated furniture, and even a diamond-studded presidential seal. As The New York Times described, the spectacle looked more like a palace set than a working political office, sparking instant mockery online.
Trump unveiled the project in a video released on Truth Social, claiming it represented the “future of American greatness” and that the real Oval Office “deserves the luxury only a Trump can bring.” According to The Washington Post’s coverage, the former president boasted that the room featured custom chandeliers imported from France and a desk layered in pure gold leaf. He also insisted that the redesign would symbolize strength and prosperity if he returns to the White House in 2025.
Trump unveils “24 Karat Gold Oval Office” — internet explodes with jokes comparing it to a Vegas casino. — @nytimes
But while Trump pitched it as a bold vision, the internet had other ideas. Twitter (X) users immediately compared the gold-plated office to everything from a gaudy Las Vegas penthouse to a tacky video game lair. As Rolling Stone observed, memes poured in within minutes, with one viral post dubbing it the “Trump Taj Mahal 2.0” and another saying, *“All that’s missing is a slot machine.”*
Even some conservative voices expressed discomfort. Fox News hosts, while normally supportive, laughed on air about the idea of foreign leaders negotiating under gold ceilings and jewel-encrusted drapes. Fox News reported that one anchor quipped, *“If the White House needed renovations, maybe not with the Midas touch.”* The widespread ridicule highlights how even Trump’s allies know the optics of excess can backfire politically.
“Looks less like the Oval Office, more like the lobby of a bankrupt casino.” — viral reaction to Trump’s golden room
Supporters, however, insisted the golden office is a symbol of American power. MAGA influencers defended the redesign, arguing that it showcases wealth and prestige in a way that will command respect abroad. As Newsweek covered, some even suggested that critics were simply jealous of Trump’s taste and success. Still, the sheer scale of the online mockery made it hard to ignore the cultural divide it sparked.
The extravagant set was reportedly designed with the help of luxury decorators who have previously worked on Trump hotels. The Los Angeles Times noted that the design cost millions to create, though it remains unclear whether campaign funds or private donations paid for the project. Either way, it’s yet another example of Trump blurring the lines between political branding and personal showmanship.
Observers also pointed out the irony. Just weeks earlier, Trump had criticized President Biden for what he called “lavish spending” on White House upkeep, yet here he was boasting about an Oval Office dripping in gold. CNN highlighted the backlash, with commentators calling the display “tone-deaf” at a time when many Americans are struggling with inflation and housing costs.
CNN: “While Americans cut coupons, Trump cuts gold leaf for his Oval Office.” — @CNN
The timing of the reveal also drew attention. Trump has been under mounting scrutiny from multiple investigations, and critics argued that the “gold office” was an intentional distraction from legal troubles. As MSNBC reported, Democratic lawmakers slammed the display as “monarchist vanity” and said it revealed his “dangerous obsession with self-worship.”
Despite the controversy, Trump appears unbothered by the ridicule. In fact, he doubled down by posting a follow-up video in which he declared: “They mocked me in 2016. They mocked me in 2020. They’re mocking me now. But the gold standard will return to the White House.” Whether it was political theater, brand marketing, or genuine aspiration, Trump’s golden Oval Office has already cemented itself as one of the most bizarre and talked-about stunts of his campaign season.