Photos of Donald Trump’s gold-filled Oval Office have sparked a new debate online. Some suggest they hint at why his casino empire collapsed.
The Rise and Fall of a Casino Mogul
Love him or hate him, Trump’s business history has always attracted attention. He claims massive success in real estate, but critics disagree.
Trump first appeared on The Forbes 400 in 1982 with a $200 million fortune shared with his father, Fred. Trump insisted their net worth was closer to $500 million.
Over the 1980s, he built a casino empire along Atlantic City’s boardwalk. He opened the Trump Plaza Hotel in 1984, Trump’s Castle (later Trump Marina) in 1985, and the colossal Trump Taj Mahal Casino in 1990.
However, the empire didn’t last. Trump Entertainment Resorts filed for bankruptcy three times between 2004 and 2014. By 2016, most casinos had closed. Some were sold; others decayed, leaving empty, crumbling buildings along the boardwalk. In 2021, the iconic Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino was finally imploded.
Trump’s Gold Obsession in the Oval Office
Fast forward: Trump, now the 47th U.S. president, left his unmistakable mark on the White House, especially the Oval Office. The room glimmers with gold from ceiling to fixtures, picture frames, and ornaments.
During a March tour with Fox News host Laura Ingraham, Trump explained that the office “needed a little life” and highlighted the gold details. He added, “You’ve never been able to match gold with gold paint, that’s why it’s gold.”
Lavish Decor and Personal Costs
Trump personally paid for the gold accents. The office also displays trophies and gold-plated memorabilia, including a FIFA World Cup replica. Some describe it as resembling Gringotts from Harry Potter.
Plans are underway to revamp the East Wing with a $200 million ballroom. Even the Rose Garden’s green center has been partially paved. Critics argue the extravagance reflects Trump’s history with bankruptcies.
Public Reaction: Casino Comparisons
Podcaster Brian Allen tweeted before-and-after Oval Office photos, saying: “Not hard to see how he bankrupted so many casinos. These are the same rooms btw.”
Commenters compared the decor to over-the-top retail theatrics:
“Reverent dignity replaced with gaudy insecurity.”
“It is a place of work, not a leisure palace or a gaudy casino.”
“Looks like a fire sale at Poundland.”
Others offered milder views, noting that the office looked dull or outdated before the renovation.
Trump Defends the Makeover
Trump defended the changes, insisting the office was “dirty” when he moved in. He replaced the chair behind the Resolute Desk and renovated the space, calling it inappropriate before his arrival.
A Glimpse into Trump’s Personality
Love it or hate it, Trump’s gold-soaked Oval Office is impossible to ignore. Some see it as a window into his dramatic personality—and perhaps a clue to why his casinos failed. Bold style, or over-the-top taste? The debate continues.
