Donald Trump had been in office as U.S. President for less than a year, but he was already changing not only some of the country’s laws but also the White House’s décor. The former White Stripes lead singer Jack White couldn’t help but say some things about it, sparking a war of words between him and the Oval Office.
The White House recently underwent a major makeover, featuring a revamp of the iconic Rose Garden and historic rooms now accented with gold.
White described these changes as “vulgar” and “gaudy,” which quickly prompted a response from the White House. So, what did these two say to each other?
What Did Jack White Say About the Newly Redecorated White House?
In a post on Instagram Tuesday, White shared a photo of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Trump sitting in the newly gold-drenched Oval Office.
“Look at how disgusting Trump has transformed the historic White House. It's now a vulgar, gold leafed and gaudy, professional wrestler's dressing room,” his caption read. “Can't wait for the UFC match on the front lawn too, he's almost fully achieved the movie 'Idiocracy.'”
The musician also criticized Trump’s taste, calling it “disgusting,” and questioned his trustworthiness.
“Would you even buy a used car from this conman, let alone give him the nuclear codes?" he continued. “A gold plated trump bible would look perfect up on that mantle with a pair of trump shoes on either side wouldn't it?”
By the looks of it, the 50-year-old rock star was referring to Trump’s money-making ventures, like selling merchandise with his name on it.
“What an embarrassment to American history,” he added before praising Zelenskyy by calling him a “real leader” in “a black suit.”
Zelenskyy had made headlines after visiting the White House in February for a highly contentious bilateral meeting.
At the time, he was criticized by Trump-friendly supporters and the POTUS himself for sporting army fatigues instead of a suit.
What Did White House Say to Jack White’s Criticism?
Of course, the White House didn’t let White’s comments slide and fired back at the musician for criticizing the Oval Office’s new décor.
“Jack White is a washed-up, has-been loser posting drivel on social media because he clearly has ample time on his hands due to his stalled career,” White House communications director Steven Cheung said in a statement to The Daily Beast.
“It's apparent he's been masquerading as a real artist, because he fails to appreciate, and quite frankly disrespects, the splendor and significance of the Oval Office inside of 'The People's House.'”
The Oval Office, and the White House more broadly, has traditionally seen changes in aesthetics with each incoming administration to suit the preferred styles of the new first family.
Since the start of his second term, Trump has altered the presidential office by adding gold adornments throughout the room.
His choices lean toward a brash, Waldorf-Astoria-style baroqueness, fitting into a lifetime of building designs that reflect Gilded Age sensibilities.
He has also framed a copy of the Declaration of Independence on a wall near the Resolute Desk. In addition, he is reportedly planning to build a ballroom at the White House, which could cost around $200 million.
As this isn’t the first time that White and Trump feud, there maybe more criticisms to come from these two.
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