In a peculiar turn of events at the White House, President Trump has decided to refurbish the Resolute Desk following an incident involving Elon Musk's young son during a live broadcast.
Due to an unexpected incident involving Elon Musk’s son, the iconic Resolute Desk in the Oval Office is undergoing refurbishment, the New York Post reported.
Last week, during a live televised Q&A session focused on the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an unexpected moment occurred involving Elon Musk’s 4-year-old son, X Æ A-12. The young Musk was seen fidgeting and wandering around the set.
Amid his activities, X seemed to pick his nose and subsequently wipe it on the historic Resolute Desk. This act prompted President Trump to order its refurbishment to maintain its pristine condition and historical value.
The Resolute Desk holds a significant place in American history. First used by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, it has been a centerpiece for numerous administrations, including those of Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden. Craftsmen built the desk from the timbers of the British ship HMS Resolute, and Queen Victoria gifted it to President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1880.
Following the incident, President Trump opted to temporarily install the C&O desk in the Oval Office. This desk, also steeped in presidential history, was first utilized in the Oval Office Study in 1975 and donated officially to the White House by the GSX company in 1987.
The desk gained attention when President George H.W. Bush and other leaders used it. Officials expect it to serve as a placeholder until they complete the Resolute Desk's refurbishment.
President Trump commented on the transition, emphasizing the importance of the task at hand. "This desk, the 'C&O,' which is also very well known and was used by President George H.W. Bush and others, has been temporarily installed in the White House while the Resolute Desk is being lightly refinished—a very important job," he said.
He further noted the aesthetic and historical value of the temporary replacement, stating, "This is a beautiful, but temporary replacement!” This signifies the administration's commitment to preserving the heritage and integrity of the presidential furniture.
The change in furnishing at the Oval Office highlights a unique intersection of contemporary events and historical preservation. The decision to refurbish the Resolute Desk not only addresses the immediate need brought about by an unusual situation but also underscores the ongoing importance of maintaining national symbols in impeccable condition.
The incident and subsequent desk change have sparked discussions about how people preserve White House artifacts and how modern events unexpectedly affect historical items.
As experts refurbish the Resolute Desk, the Oval Office remains the nerve center of the U.S. Presidency, with the C&O desk now symbolizing continuity and resilience.
This story highlights the unforeseen challenges and responsibilities involved in preserving historically and culturally significant items, ensuring future generations can understand and appreciate them.
As White House officials anticipate the Resolute Desk’s return, they will likely remember this episode as a curious footnote in its long and storied history.
