Barack Obama Jokes About Trump’s Gold Oval Office Sign: ‘I Can’t Believe I Didn’t Think of That’

Former President Barack Obama mocked President Donald Trump’s gold-accented Oval Office makeover while touring a replica of his own White House workspace, joking that the set lacked one conspicuous Trump-era addition, namely, a gold sign identifying the Oval Office.

Obama Turns Oval Office Tour Into Joke

"Nice job on the recreation," Obama said in a clip released late on Monday by HBO Max promoting his appearance on "Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness." Spotting a familiar fruit bowl, he added, "You even have the apples. It’s fantastic."

Then came the punchline. "Although I do want to point out there’s no gold sign on the outside that says ‘Oval Office,’" Obama said as crew members laughed. "I can’t believe I didn’t think of that."

Trump has substantially redesigned the presidential workspace since returning to office. AP documented gold accents throughout the Oval Office, additional portraits and a displayed copy of the Declaration of Independence. Trump previously defended his gilded changes by saying the room "needed a little life."

Trump Extends Makeover Beyond Oval Office

The décor forms part of a broader White House makeover. Trump replaced the Rose Garden lawn with a stone patio, which later hosted technology executives and business leaders. Reuters noted that Trump modeled the space partly on his Mar-a-Lago patio.

Trump also created a "Presidential Walk of Fame" along the West Wing colonnade, where plaques under presidential portraits criticize predecessors including Obama and Joe Biden.

Ballroom Project Draws Fresh Legal Scrutiny

His most consequential renovation remains the planned 90,000-square-foot ballroom on the demolished East Wing site. A federal appeals court last week blocked above-ground construction, ruling that the administration needed congressional authorization. Trump called the decision a "National Disgrace" and vowed to seek Supreme Court review.

Trump previously said the finished ballroom would cost "something less than" $400 million.

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