MLK Jr. Bust Quietly Relocated from Oval Office Under Trump Administration

MLK Jr. Bust Quietly Relocated from Oval Office Under Trump Administration

The iconic bronze bust of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a fixture in the Oval Office for over two decades, has been quietly moved to a less visible location under President Donald Trump’s administration. The sculpture, which once stood as a prominent symbol of civil rights progress within the nation’s highest office, now resides in the president’s private dining room, just off the Oval Office1234.

A Symbol of Progress Moved Out of Sight

The bust, created in 1970 by African-American artist Charles Alston two years after Dr. King’s assassination, has a storied history within the White House. It became the first image of an African American on public display at the White House when it was loaned by the Smithsonian in 2000. Since then, it has occupied various locations, including the library and, most notably, the Oval Office, where it was placed during the second term of President Bill Clinton124.

During the Obama and Biden administrations, the bust was prominently displayed next to the Oval Office fireplace, frequently appearing in official photographs and video footage of meetings with global leaders. Its presence was widely seen as a tribute to Dr. King’s legacy and the ongoing struggle for civil rights in America1234.

The Trump Administration’s Decision

According to a senior White House official, the bust was relocated to President Trump’s private dining room, which is adjacent to the Oval Office. The official did not provide photographic evidence of the new placement, citing longstanding White House policies that prohibit photography in private areas of the West Wing and the president’s residential quarters1234.

The move comes as part of a broader reshuffling of artwork and historical objects within the White House, which serves not only as the president’s residence but also as a living museum. While the bust remains on White House grounds, its removal from the Oval Office has drawn attention, given its symbolic importance and the visibility it enjoyed under previous administrations1234.

Historical Context

Since its arrival at the White House, the MLK bust has never been placed on the State Floor, as Dr. King was a civilian rather than a government official. Its journey through various rooms reflects the evolving ways in which American presidents have chosen to honor the civil rights movement and its leaders124.

Public Reaction and Legacy

The quiet relocation of the bust has sparked discussion about the messages conveyed by the art and symbols displayed in the Oval Office. For many, the bust’s prominent placement in the past represented a commitment to civil rights and inclusion at the highest levels of government. Its move to a more private setting under President Trump has prompted questions about how the current administration chooses to honor Dr. King’s enduring legacy1234.

Sources:

1. https://www.postnewsgroup.com/mlk-bust-quietly-removed-from-oval-office-under-trump/
2. https://www.thebuffalocriterion.com/world-news-1/mlk-bust-quietly-removed-from-oval-office-under-trump
3. https://nycaribnews.com/mlk-jr-bust-relocated-from-oval-office-to-dining-room-under-trump-administration/
4. https://afro.com/mlk-bust-moved-from-oval-office/
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QJhehK39Ow
6. https://meidasnews.com/news/trump-removes-mlk-bust-from-oval-office
7. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJYGd0DPBfr/
8. https://time.com/4645541/donald-trump-white-house-oval-office/
9. https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/trump-still-salty-over-fake-news-report-about-mlk-bust-removal/
10. https://www.axios.com/2017/12/15/trumps-time-accusations-vs-how-it-actually-went-down-1513300034