This was a strange decision.
The White House recently addressed concerns regarding the temporary removal of the iconic Resolute Desk from the Oval Office, assuring the public that this is not a permanent change.
Former President Donald Trump took action after an unexpected incident involving Elon Musk’s 4-year-old son, X Æ A-12, during a joint Q&A session at the White House. The young Musk, who was with his father and Trump discussing the efforts of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), was seen fidgeting and wandering around. In a moment of mischief, X appeared to pick his nose and wipe it on the Resolute Desk, an act that captured attention when broadcasted live.
Known for his meticulous cleanliness, President Trump took to Truth Social to explain the temporary move. He shared that the famous Resolute Desk, a cherished symbol of American leadership and history, would undergo light refurbishment after the incident. The desk, once used by presidents from JFK to Joe Biden, would be replaced by the C&O desk, a sturdy and well-regarded alternative. Trump made it clear this was a temporary adjustment, meant to preserve the quality of the desk while maintaining the Oval Office’s decorum.
The C&O desk, also known as the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway desk, is far from an ordinary substitute. Built in the 1970s for the use of the C&O Railway’s owners, it was donated to the White House in 1987. Used by President George H.W. Bush, among others, the C&O desk is no stranger to Oval Office duties, and its inclusion during this period ensures that the office’s work continues without disruption.
Meanwhile, the Resolute Desk, a symbol of American perseverance and strength, will be carefully refinished. This desk, gifted by Queen Victoria to President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1880, was crafted from the timbers of the British Arctic exploration ship HMS Resolute. While it is temporarily out of the spotlight, its legacy remains intact.