After making his return to the White House in January 2025, President Donald Trump has revived several signature touches in the Oval Office, including the famous “Diet Coke button.” This small red button, which became iconic during his first term, has made a comeback, much to the delight of those familiar with his unique style.
As reported by The Wall Street Journal, the button, neatly tucked inside a wooden box on the Resolute Desk, once again serves its original purpose — signaling to White House staff to bring him his beloved Diet Coke, a drink closely tied to Trump’s daily routine. First introduced in 2017, the button quickly became a public fascination, symbolizing his personal quirks. “Everyone gets a little anxious when I press that button,” Trump once joked in an interview, adding a touch of his signature humor to the presidential ritual.
Oval Office Updates Reflect Trump’s Signature Style
As part of the customary transition, the Oval Office has been revamped to mirror President Trump’s distinct preferences, blending classic elements with personal touches that define his unique style.
A portrait of George Washington now takes center stage above the fireplace, flanked by paintings of key historical figures like Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton. A bust of Winston Churchill, a familiar fixture from Trump’s previous term, has returned to a prominent position near the fireplace. Also making a reappearance is the sculpture of Martin Luther King Jr., which was part of the décor during President Biden’s administration. Adding to the room’s historical feel, Frederic Remington’s The Bronco Buster once again occupies its spot beneath the portrait of Andrew Jackson, bringing a sense of continuity and tradition to the space.
A Blend of Past and Present
The redesign of the Oval Office blends elements from both the past and the present, creating a space that reflects President Trump’s personal touch while incorporating familiar aspects from the previous administration.
Some features, like the gold drapes that were a signature of Trump’s first term, remain unchanged, while others have been updated. For instance, President Biden’s blue rug has been replaced with the neutral-toned carpet that was part of Trump’s earlier Oval Office design, returning a sense of consistency.
The coffee table now showcases subtle personal touches. A vibrant bouquet of fresh flowers and a gold-embossed paperweight bearing Trump’s name have taken the place of former items, such as President Biden’s beloved chocolate chip cookies. Silver eagle figurines have been placed on the mantelpiece, further enhancing the room’s traditional presidential flair.
A Symbolic Return
The revival of the red button, though small in function, has captured the public’s attention once again. For many, it serves as a symbol of the personal flair and symbolic touches each president brings to the White House. While policies and politics typically dominate the news cycle, these subtle details offer a rare glimpse into the human side of leadership.
As President Trump begins his second term, the redecoration of the Oval Office highlights a harmonious blend of tradition and personal expression—key characteristics of the ever-evolving presidency at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
