Rock musician Jack White has publicly criticized President Donald Trump’s gold-themed redesign of the Oval Office, sparking a heated exchange with the White House that was characterized by personal attacks.
White, known for his role in The White Stripes, expressed his disapproval on Instagram on Monday, August 18, 2025, sharing an image from Trump’s recent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He likened the office’s new appearance to a professional wrestler’s dressing room, criticizing its gold-leafed decor and stating it altered the historic nature of the space.
In his post, White focused on Trump’s extensive renovations that added gold trim, large frames, gilded mirrors, gold eagles, and Trump-branded items introduced in March. He questioned the suitability of such taste for someone in control of nuclear codes and proposed that Trump-branded Bibles and shoes would match the new design.
The post concluded with White’s commendation of Zelensky, whom he described as a genuine leader, contrasting his appearance in a black suit with Trump’s aesthetic and leadership style.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung responded forcefully, dismissing White as having ample time for such posts due to a lack of career momentum. “Jack White is a washed-up, has-been loser,” Cheung stated, further asserting that White did not understand the significance of the Oval Office.
Cheung also accused White of pretending to be a genuine artist while disrespecting the grandeur of the People’s House, marking a notably personal rebuttal from the White House to a celebrity critic.
This exchange adds to a history of disputes between White and Trump’s political team. White has previously criticized Trump as a fascist and would-be dictator through social media and has consistently opposed the president’s policies and actions.
Last September, White initiated a legal action against Trump’s 2024 campaign after staff members used The White Stripes’ song “Seven Nation Army” in a promotional video without authorization. Deputy communications director Margo Martin had shared the video of Trump boarding a plane with the track, prompting White to threaten legal action on Instagram.
The band filed a federal lawsuit citing six counts of copyright infringement, stating that Trump’s campaign ignored attempts to resolve the issue before litigation. However, The White Stripes later withdrew the lawsuit in November without prejudice, meaning they retained the right to refile.
Interior design experts have previously commented on Trump’s decor choices. New York designer Tommy Landen noted that while gold can be appealing, excessive use can be overwhelming. White House history enthusiast Donald Meriam highlighted that while all presidents make divisive design choices, Trump’s changes visually transformed the entire room rather than altering individual elements.
Social media users echoed White’s critique of the office redesign, with many describing it as garish and unappealing. Comments included comparisons to spray-painted Home Depot items and suggestions that the space was fit for Elvis impersonators performing weddings.
White’s activism extends to his live performances. During his No Name tour, he altered lyrics to his 2018 song “Corporation” to criticize both Trump and Elon Musk. A February performance in Boston, Massachusetts, included commentary on government subsidies, military service, and business failures.
The 12-time Grammy winner has maintained an active touring schedule through 2025, challenging Cheung’s portrayal of a stalled career. White has played shows across multiple states and internationally, with future dates planned through May, including stops in California and Washington.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between Trump’s administration and entertainment figures who publicly oppose his policies. Several musicians, including Celine Dion, Foo Fighters, and the estate of Isaac Hayes, have objected to the unauthorized use of their music by Trump’s campaigns.