Donald Trump responds to a question from the news media during an executive order signing ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House. (EPA Images pic)WASHINGTON: Even as he puts his golden imprint on the White House, President Donald Trump moved on Thursday to protect two of its most historic spaces, the Oval Office and Cabinet Room, from major modifications by future presidents.

Trump signed a proclamation that he said would be the first step toward declaring the West Wing spaces as a national monument to mark their place in American history.

It was unclear what exactly led Trump to seek protection of the structures from Congress now. There has been no move to tear down or dramatically alter the spaces.