Listen To Story Above
Trump has embraced a new approach to public communication since returning to the White House, trading his signature rally-style appearances for intimate Oval Office encounters with the media. These almost-daily sessions showcase the president addressing the nation from behind the historic Resolute Desk.
Presidential historian Thomas Alan Schwartz of Vanderbilt University noted, “He’s using this to highlight and accentuate his authority as president. There’s nothing more authoritative than the president using the Oval Office.”
This strategic shift in communication was confirmed by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt during her initial press briefing on January 28. “The president is the best spokesperson that this White House has, and I can assure you that you’ll be hearing from both him and me as much as possible,” she stated.
I don't give a damn what anyone says—seeing Trump, Elon Musk, and his son X together in the Oval Office makes me grin from ear to ear.
These guys might be billionaires, but at heart, they're just like the rest of us. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/1mAzivaa1g
— Dr Vincent Sativa 🇺🇸 (@The_Weed_Shop) February 12, 2025
The setting itself carries significant weight, with presidential portraits of Reagan, Washington, and Jefferson adorning the walls. The president conducts these sessions from the Resolute Desk, crafted from timber salvaged from a British Arctic exploration vessel and presented by Queen Victoria. Even the infamous red Diet Coke button from his first term has made its return.
This marks a notable departure from Joe Biden’s approach, who faced criticism for limited media engagement and relied heavily on teleprompter-guided speeches in various White House locations. According to presidential scholar Martha Joynt Kumar, Trump has conducted 34 press sessions since taking office, with 16 occurring in the Oval Office. This surpasses Biden’s 22 brief Q&A sessions during the same period, of which only nine were held in the Oval Office.
The increased accessibility comes with certain conditions. In an unprecedented move, Trump recently excluded Associated Press reporters following their continued use of “Gulf of Mexico” instead of his mandated “Gulf of America” terminology. This decision prompted objections from the White House Correspondents’ Association and other news organizations, including Reuters.
Everyone who walks into the Oval office has to see Trump’s epic mugshot.
It’s a reminder of what they did to him and why he won. pic.twitter.com/22qJKDSgqC
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) February 14, 2025
These media encounters often begin as closed-press events but transform into impromptu press gatherings at Trump’s discretion. During these sessions, he addresses various topics, from international conflicts to domestic policies. Recently, he revealed plans for a summit with Russian President Putin regarding Ukraine and proposed controversial solutions for Palestinian displacement in Gaza.
Presidential historian Douglas Brinkley described Trump’s use of the office as unprecedented, calling it “the biggest podcast of them all: Oval Office live.”
The sessions frequently conclude with theatrical elements, as Trump teases future announcements to maintain public interest. This was evident when he recently hinted at upcoming tariff-related news, asking reporters, “Would you like to be shocked?”
