Following his return to the White House in January 2025, President Donald Trump has reintroduced several familiar elements to the Oval Office — most notably, the reappearance of the so-called “Diet Coke button,” a small red button that became a signature feature during his first term.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the button, discreetly housed in a wooden box on the Resolute Desk, once again alerts White House staff to deliver a Diet Coke, a beverage long associated with President Trump’s daily routine. First seen in 2017, the button drew public interest and became a light-hearted symbol of his personal style. “Everyone gets a little anxious when I press that button,” Trump once remarked with a smile during an interview.
Oval Office Updates Reflect Trump’s Style
As part of the traditional transition, the Oval Office was redecorated to reflect the new president’s preferences. Trump has restored elements from his previous term, creating a familiar and personalized space.
A portrait of George Washington now hangs above the fireplace, alongside paintings of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton. A bust of Winston Churchill has also returned to a spot near the fireplace, along with a sculpture of Martin Luther King Jr., which was also present during President Biden’s administration. Frederic Remington’s The Bronco Buster sculpture sits once again beneath the portrait of Andrew Jackson.
A Blend of Past and Present
Some design elements, like the gold drapes selected during Trump’s first term, remain unchanged. However, other aspects from the previous administration have been updated. President Biden’s blue rug has been replaced with the neutral-toned carpet used during Trump’s earlier Oval Office setup.
On the coffee table, subtle personal touches have been added. A bouquet of fresh flowers and a gold-embossed paperweight bearing Trump’s name now sit where previous items, such as President Biden’s preferred chocolate chip cookies, once stood. Silver eagle figurines now adorn the mantelpiece, adding a traditional presidential accent.
A Symbolic Return
The return of the red button, though minor in function, has sparked renewed public interest. For many, it represents the personalization and symbolic touches each president brings to the White House. While policies and politics often dominate headlines, these smaller details offer a glimpse into the human side of leadership.
As President Trump embarks on his second term, the redecoration of the Oval Office underscores a mix of tradition and individual expression — hallmarks of the evolving presidency at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Note: This story was originally reported in January 2025 and is being republished for historical reference.
