The famous Resolute Desk in the Oval Office has been temporarily removed, with President Donald Trump’s administration stating it is undergoing refurbishment. However, the timing of this change has sparked speculation, as it comes shortly after an unusual incident involving Elon Musk’s four-year-old son, X Æ A-12.
Last week, during a live TV broadcast, X, the son of Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and singer Grimes, was seen picking his nose and appearing to wipe it on the iconic desk. He was in the Oval Office alongside his father and President Trump for a Q&A session about the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The department, led by Musk, aims to cut unnecessary federal spending.
While wandering around the room, young X was caught on camera with his finger in his nose before seemingly smearing the result on the Resolute Desk. This desk, originally gifted to the U.S. by Queen Victoria in 1880, has been used by many past presidents, including John F. Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden.
Given Trump’s well-known germophobia, some believe this incident may have influenced the decision to swap out the desk. However, on Thursday, Trump clarified the reason behind the change in a Truth Social post. He stated that the Resolute Desk was undergoing “light refinishing” and that another historical desk, the C&O desk, had been temporarily placed in the Oval Office.
“This desk, the ‘C&O,’ which is also very well-known and was used by President George H.W. Bush and others, has been temporarily installed in the White House while the Resolute Desk is being lightly refinished—a very important job,” Trump wrote. He added, “This is a beautiful, but temporary replacement!”
The Resolute Desk remains the most iconic piece of furniture in the Oval Office, crafted from wood salvaged from the British Arctic exploration ship HMS Resolute. Over the years, it has become a symbol of American leadership and history.
Despite the temporary swap, the Resolute Desk is expected to return soon. However, the unusual circumstances surrounding its removal, particularly the viral moment involving Musk’s young son, continue to amuse and intrigue the public.
