Nicolai Haugsted
Obama roasts Trump’s decorating taste with perfectly timed joke.
Barack Obama used a brief television cameo to deliver a lighthearted jab at Donald Trump’s redesign of the Oval Office, taking aim at one of the most talked-about changes made during Trump’s second term.
Appearing alongside comedian Larry David in HBO’s Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness, the former president toured a meticulously recreated version of his old workspace before slipping in a sarcastic remark about its current appearance.
The teaser, released Monday, shows Obama admiring the production’s recreation of the Oval Office, praising the crew for replicating everything down to the bowl of apples that once sat near the Resolute Desk.
“Nice job on the recreation,” Obama tells the production team before pointing out something that isn’t there.
“I do want to point out there’s no gold sign on the outside that says ‘Oval Office.'”
He then follows the remark with another tongue-in-cheek observation:
“I can’t believe I didn’t think of that.”
The comments appeared to reference one of Trump’s more noticeable cosmetic additions after returning to the White House.
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Trump’s redesign has drawn attention
Since beginning his second term, Trump has introduced several highly visible changes to the White House.
Among them are gold-colored decorative elements throughout the Oval Office, a scripted gold sign outside the room and additional ornamental details that have significantly altered the office’s appearance from previous administrations.
Supporters have described the redesign as reflecting Trump’s personal style, while critics have argued it departs sharply from the building’s traditional aesthetic.
Attention has also focused on broader renovation plans at the White House.
Trump has moved forward with controversial changes that include paving over the Rose Garden and replacing the historic East Wing with a proposed $400 million ballroom.
Although demolition work on the East Wing began last year, a federal appeals court recently ordered a halt to additional above-ground construction while legal challenges continue.
Trump has indicated he intends to continue fighting the dispute and has said he is prepared to take the matter to the U.S. Supreme Court.
