Gold “Oval Office” Sign Sparks Design Debate

A temporary gold “Oval Office” sign spotted outside the White House earlier this month has sparked interest in the latest phase of President Trump’s ongoing redesign projects.

According to reporting by The Washington Post, Trump personally selected the script style used on the decal, a departure from long-standing practice in which presidents typically left typography and lettering decisions to the White House calligrapher.

Design experts identified the font as Shelley Script, a decorative typeface commonly found on restaurant menus, wedding invitations, and printed materials rather than architectural signage.

Former chief calligrapher Rick Paulus noted that during the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations, artistic choices were handled entirely by his office, with little or no presidential involvement.

The gold sign disappeared days after it appeared, but it reflects a broader aesthetic shift across the White House, from new marble installations to gilded accents, updated interiors, and the introduction of a Presidential Walk of Fame featuring the same script style.

Designers interviewed say the font is ornate, recognizable, and consistent with branding often seen across Trump properties. Supporters view the changes as an effort to “beautify” the building, while design professionals argue that permanent signage typically requires clearer, more durable, and more functional typography.