In a recent development, President Donald Trump has temporarily removed the iconic Resolute Desk from the Oval Office, following an incident involving Elon Musk’s 4-year-old son, X Æ A-Xii, commonly known as “Little X.” During a televised visit to the White House, Little X was observed picking his nose and appearing to wipe it on the historic desk, leading to the President’s decision to have the desk refurbished.
The Resolute Desk, crafted from the timbers of the British Arctic exploration ship HMS Resolute, has been a staple in the Oval Office since it was gifted to President Rutherford B. Hayes by Queen Victoria in 1880. It has been used by numerous presidents, including John F. Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden. President Trump had utilized this desk throughout his previous term and had reinstated it upon returning to office.
The incident occurred during a press conference where Elon Musk, serving as a senior adviser to President Trump, was discussing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative. Little X accompanied his father and was seen standing behind the Resolute Desk between Musk and President Trump. At one point, the child picked his nose and appeared to wipe it on the desk, an action that quickly garnered media attention.
President Trump, known for his germaphobic tendencies, addressed the situation on his social media platform, Truth Social. He stated, “A President, after election, gets a choice of 1 in 7 desks. 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. This is a beautiful, but temporary replacement.”
The C&O desk, short for Chesapeake and Ohio Railway desk, was initially built for the company’s owners and was first used in the Oval Office Study in 1975. It was later donated to the White House in 1987 and has been utilized by several presidents, including George H.W. Bush. The decision to temporarily replace the Resolute Desk with the C&O desk underscores the President’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and cleanliness of the Oval Office furnishings.
This event has also sparked discussions about the appropriateness of bringing young children into high-profile political settings. While some view it as a humanizing element, others raise concerns about potential disruptions and the preservation of historical artifacts. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges in balancing public duties with personal family moments, especially within the historically significant spaces of the White House.
As the Resolute Desk undergoes refurbishment, the Oval Office continues to function with the C&O desk, ensuring that presidential duties proceed without interruption. The Resolute Desk is expected to return to its rightful place once the refinishing process is complete, restoring the traditional aesthetic of the Oval Office.
