White House aides were forced to block a proposal from former President Donald Trump to install a grand chandelier in the Oval Office, a new book has claimed.
The Axed Chandelier Plan
According to revelations in a new book by GOP strategist Scott Jennings, Trump had designs on a significant refurbishment of the iconic Oval Office. The centrepiece of this planned renovation was the installation of a new chandelier.
However, White House staff reportedly cancelled the chandelier proposal after concluding that the ceiling was structurally unsound and could not support the new fitting.
A History of Renovations
This was not Trump's only foray into altering the White House during his tenure. The book, titled Revolution of Common Sense: How Donald Trump Stormed Washington and Fought for Western Civilization, notes that he had already overseen several other major changes.
These included paving over Jackie Kennedy’s historic Rose Garden and partially demolishing the East Wing to make way for a new ballroom.
A Metaphor for a Presidency
Author Scott Jennings suggests that Trump's extensive and rapid-fire renovations were more than just interior design choices. He posits that they serve as a clear metaphor for Trump's governing style.
This approach was characterised by swiftly introducing new elements and dramatically reshaping existing institutions, much like he attempted to do with the physical spaces of the White House itself.
