'Foreign leaders freak out': Trump shows off ‘24 karat gold’ Oval Office decor, critics slam timing amid crises

US President Donald Trump on Sunday unveiled visuals of lavish gold décor in the Oval Office and Cabinet Room, touting them as a personal touch of opulence inside the White House. In a video posted on X, the president described the pieces as “some of the highest quality 24 Karat Gold” and claimed visiting dignitaries were astonished by the spectacle.

“Foreign Leaders and everyone else, ‘freak out’ when they see the quality and beauty. Best Oval Office ever, in terms of success and look!!!” Trump wrote, signing off his post as “President DJT.”

Donald J. Trump Truth Social Post 04:32 PM EST 09/28/25

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Some of the highest quality 24 Karat Gold used in the Oval Office and Cabinet Room of the White House. Foreign Leaders, and everyone else, “freak out” when they see the quality and beauty. Best Oval Office ever, in terms of… pic.twitter.com/mqhhpZ1YcT

— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) September 28, 2025

The clip showed ornate gold-coloured wall mouldings seemingly ready to be installed inside the White House. Trump’s post quickly went viral, triggering a backlash from internet users who criticised the timing. Many pointed out that while Americans are struggling with issues such as farmers losing their land, cuts to healthcare and food assistance, and the continuing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, the president was flaunting luxury decor.

According to The Guardian, Trump had spoken about the new detailing during a March tour of the Oval Office with a Fox News host. He said the space needed “a little life” and remarked that “making gold paint look like real gold” was difficult.

Fox News reported that a White House spokesperson confirmed all the gold decor had been “bought and paid for by Trump himself.” Some observers online speculated that the pieces were simply coated with gold paint or gold leaf before installation.

Journalist Jon Keegan noted on social media that the decorative medallions visible on the Oval Office walls bore a striking resemblance to inexpensive foam ornaments sold on Chinese e-commerce platform Ali Baba for about one dollar each.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, however, framed the redesign as emblematic of a larger narrative. Speaking to Rev, she called the transformation “a golden office for the golden age for both America and the Middle East.”