Former President Barack Obama took a dig at President Donald Trump's gold-themed changes to the Oval Office while promoting his cameo in a new HBO Max show, according to a clip released Monday, Aug. 10.
In the clip promoting HBO Max's "Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness," Obama tours a replica Oval Office featured in a sketch for the new show starring comedian Larry David.
"Nice job on the recreation," Obama said of the Oval Office replica.
"Although I do want to point out there’s no gold sign on the outside that says 'Oval Office,'" Obama said, appearing to reference a gold-script sign that appeared next to Trump’s Oval Office last November.
"I can’t believe I didn’t think of that," Obama added.
From decor to signage
Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has
overseen several changes to the White House that have drawn attention online and in the media.
Apart from the golden lettering, Trump also added gold accents to the Oval Office’s ceiling, fireplace mantel, and doorways.
White House spokesman Davis Ingle defended the installation of the lettering back in November 2025, calling it a “beautification."
"Democrats are more concerned with President Trump’s historic beautification of the White House than they are for American citizens they are hurting because of their reckless government shutdown," Ingle said. "President Trump is working 24/7 on behalf of the American people and simultaneously making the White House even more beautiful."
The president has also overseen the demolition of the White House's East Wing to make way for a ballroom project that has faced legal challenges. In addition, the center section of the Rose Garden, which traditionally featured a lawn, was replaced with stone tiles.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Obama jokes about Trump's Oval Office golden makeover
