JD Vance has revealed his surprisingly honest opinion about United States President Donald Trump's decision to cover the White House in gold.
Now, as part of his nine-figure plan to restore the White House, the 79-year-old Republican has made the controversial decision to adorn several sections of his royal residence in gold, which many have branded and utterly 'tacky'.
Trump has been adding 'gold piece after gold piece' to sections of the residence, 'including tiny gold cherubs over the doorway' to the Oval Office in the major renovation.
In response to the news, whilst some critics feared that the elaborate renovations formed part of Trump's plan to remain in the Oval Office for a third term, others were astounded by the way that the money was being spent.
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And, apparently, the new golden decor is very much so welcomed by Vance's five-year-old son. Vivek.
"His favorite color is gold. And whenever he walks into the Oval Office, he's just blown away by it because it does have this bright, lively feel," he told USA Today.
"And I think it's fitting for, again, the place where the leader of the free world comes to work every day."
And as for Vance himself?
Well, he said he was 'overwhelmed' by the grandeur of the office, while noting: "But if I was being honest, it was the middle winter, the drapes were closed. It was very dark.
"It had kind of a dark and gloomy feeling. This is the workplace of the leader of the free world. It should be a little brighter."
He went on to praise Trump's taste when it comes to interior design, saying he 'obviously has his very distinctive style, and he's made billions of dollars building beautiful buildings all over the world'.
"What I really like about the Oval Office is that it's brighter," Vance said.
Talking of renovations, Trump's team first announced at the end of last month that a staggering $200 million (£150m) would be plied into the construction of a brand new ballroom in the White House.
One section of the announcement read: "The White House is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the world, yet the White House is currently unable to host major functions honouring world leaders and other countries without having to install a large and unsightly tent approximately 100 yards away from the main building entrance."
There has also been a pretty major makeover of the historic Rose Garden too.
What was once a lush oasis of greenery and roses has now been totally covered up with a large concrete slab.
Back in March, Trump explained the reasoning behind his decision to lay down concrete in the space, claiming that the grass posed a problem for press conferences and garden events.
In the same interview, the 79-year-old noted that women's heels could sink into the ground.
"You know, we use [the Rose Garden] for press conferences, and it doesn’t work because the people fall," Trump told Fox News. "The terrain can be wet, and the soft ground can be an issue for some... Women, with the high heels, it just didn’t work."
Such renovations commenced last month, with a White House official previously assuring PEOPLE that Trump and Melania 'have deep respect for the history of the White House and for the Rose Garden'.
"This restoration to the Rose Garden preserves the beauty of the space and builds on the work done in 2020," the official said. "With a focus on enhancing practical use and guest experience for those attending special events."
Topics: JD Vance, Politics, US News, Donald Trump, News
Rhiannon Ingle