Trump forced to replace oval office desk after Elon Musk's son leaves unexpected "mark"

Published February 21st, 2025 - 07:20 GMT
Elon Musk’s Son Donald Trump Oval Office Resolute Desk History C&O Desk White House HMS Resolute Desk Truth Social Trump Update Presidential Office Furniture White House News 2025 Trump’s Germophobia Viral White House Moments
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's son X Æ A-Xii leans on the Resolute desk as US President Donald Trump looks on in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, February 11, 2025. Tech billionaire Elon Musk, who has been tapped by President Donald Trump to lead federal cost-cutting efforts, said the United States would go "bankrupt" without budget cuts. Musk leads the efforts under the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and was speaking at the White House with Trump, who has in recent weeks unleashed a flurry of orders aimed at slashing federal spending. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP)

ALBAWABA - U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the temporary removal of the historic Resolute Desk from the Oval Office after Elon Musk’s son, X AE A-12, was caught on video wiping his nasal mucus on it. The New York Post reported that the incident occurred during Musk’s White House press conference, causing a stir on social media.

Resolute Desk Temporarily Replaced
The Resolute Desk, originally gifted by Queen Victoria to President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1880, has been an iconic piece in the White House, used by presidents such as John F. Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden.

Due to Trump's well-known germophobia, the Resolute Desk has been replaced with the C&O Desk, one of six available alternatives for the president. The C&O Desk, named after the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, was first used in the Oval Office in 1975 and later donated to the White House in 1987.

Trump Confirms Desk Swap on Truth Social
Trump addressed the change in a post on Truth Social, stating:

"The C&O Desk, previously used by President George H.W. Bush and others, has been temporarily installed while the Resolute Desk undergoes light refinishing. This is an important task."

He reassured the public that the swap is only temporary, saying:

"It’s a beautiful replacement, but only temporary."

The History of the Resolute Desk
The Resolute Desk is considered the most famous piece of furniture in the Oval Office, crafted from the remains of the British Arctic exploration ship HMS Resolute. It has been a symbol of U.S. presidential history for over 140 years and is expected to return to the White House after its refinishing is complete.

Why This Story Matters
This unusual event has gained significant media attention, highlighting Trump's obsession with cleanliness, Musk’s influence in politics, and the cultural relevance of the Resolute Desk. The viral video of Musk’s son has further fueled discussions about White House traditions and presidential decorum.

Subscribe

Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content