Gil Kaufman
Wed, August 20, 2025
Billboard
Jack White has some thoughts on the gilding of the White House. The rocker who opened a bespoke upholstery shop in Detroit in the mid 1990s before launching his music career — and who has long had a keen eye for visual aesthetics — went scorched earth on Donald Trump’s gold-plated makeover of the People’s House in a no-holds-barred Instagram post on Tuesday (Aug. 19).
“Look at how disgusting trump has transformed the historic White House. It’s now a vulgar, gold leafed and gaudy, professional wrestler’s dressing room,” White said of the makeover Trump has rolled out for the White House, which includes all-gold-everything in the Oval Office. “Can’t wait for the UFC match on the front lawn too, he’s almost fully achieved the movie Idiocracy,” White added in reference to Trump’s plans to hold a ultimate fighting match on the White House grounds next year and the beloved 2006 Mike Judge movie satire of a world in which anti-intellectual, lowest-common-denominator dolts inherit the Earth. “Look at his disgusting taste, would you even buy a used car from this conman, let alone give him the nuclear codes?” White asked.
In a clever side slam, White tagged Trump with a link to professional wrestling legend “Nature Boy” Ric Flair’s Instagram feed in the post, in which he also took aim a the many ways the president is abrogating norms by profiting from his second tenure in office. “A gold plated trump bible would look perfect up on that mantle with a pair of trump shoes on either side wouldn’t it?” White wrote. “What an embarrassment to American history. Also pictured in this photograph, a REAL leader of a nation in a black suit.” The post featured a photo of Trump meeting with Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy this week in the dizzyingly filigreed Oval Office.
In keeping with the wrestling metaphor, White House communications director Steven Cheung attempted his own smack down of the 12-time Grammy-winning rocker who is slated to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the White Stripes in November. “Jack White is a washed-up, has-been loser posting drivel on social media because he clearly has ample time on his hands due to his stalled career,” Cheung told The Daily Beast. “It’s apparent he’s been masquerading as a real artist, because he fails to appreciate, and quite frankly disrespects, the splendor and significance of the Oval Office inside of ‘The People’s House.'” At press time it appeared White had not responded to Cheung’s comments.
In May, photo editor and creative consultant Emily Keegin wrote an essay in The New York Times entitled “Trump’s Oval Office is a Gilded Rococo Nightmare. Help,” in which she noted that in 2017 journalist Peter York referred to Trump’s shiny aesthetic as “dictator chic,” likening the former reality TV star’s New York penthouse style to that of late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi’s opulent, garish mansions. In the commentary, Keegin described the 14K White House redesign as, “a parade of golden objects that march across the mantel, relegating the traditional Swedish ivy to a greenhouse. Gilded Rococo wall appliqués, nearly identical to the ones at Mr. Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, are stuck to the fireplace and office walls with the same level of aesthetic consideration a child gives her doll’s face before covering it in nail polish.”
Check out White’s post here.
Jack White responds to White House calling him a 'has-been loser': 'Trump is masquerading as a human being'
"He's masquerading as a Christian, as a leader, as a person with actual empathy. He's been masquerading as a businessman for decades," the "Seven Nation Army" musician wrote.
Wesley Stenzel
Wed, August 20, 2025
John Nacion/Variety via GettyJack White at 'SNL50: The Homecoming Concert' in New York City on Feb. 14, 2025
"Here's my opinion, trump is masquerading as a human being," the "Icky Thump" musician wrote. "He's masquerading as a christian, as a leader, as a person with actual empathy. He's been masquerading as a businessman for decades as nothing he's involved in has prospered except by using other people's money to find loophole after loophole and grift after grift."
Entertainment Weekly has reached out to the White House for further comment.
White previously called out the Oval Office's new gold decor, which was prominently visible during Trump's meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"Look at how disgusting trump has transformed the historic White House," the singer wrote on Instagram Tuesday. "It's now a vulgar, gold leafed and gaudy, professional wrestler's dressing room. Can't wait for the UFC match on the front lawn too, he's almost fully achieved the movie 'Idiocracy'."
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty; Christopher Furlong/Getty
Cheung responded on the White House's behalf in a comment to The Daily Beast.
"Jack White is a washed up, has-been loser posting drivel on social media because he clearly has ample time on his hands due to his stalled career," he said. "It's apparent he's been masquerading as a real artist, because he fails to appreciate, and quite frankly disrespects, the splendor and significance of the Oval Office inside of 'The People’s House.'"
In Wednesday's post, White responded to specific jabs from Cheung. "'Masquerading as a real artist'? Thank you for giving me my tombstone engraving!" the musician wrote. "I have 'ample time on (my) hands'? That orange grifter has spent more tax payer money cheating at golf than helping ANYONE in the country. Improve. Anything."
MediaPunch/Bauer-Griffin/GC ImagesJack White in New York City on Aug. 20, 2024
This is far from the first time that White has criticized the president. The musician previously threatened Trump's 2024 campaign for using the White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army" in a video.
"Don't even think about using my music you fascists," he wrote on Instagram at the time. "Law suit coming from my lawyers about this (to add to your 5 thousand others.)
White also called out celebrities like Mark Wahlberg, Joe Rogan, Mel Gibson, and Guy Fieri for their participation in a 2023 meet-and-greet with Trump. "Anybody who 'normalizes' or treats this disgusting fascist, racist, con man, disgusting piece of s--- Trump with any level of respect is ALSO disgusting in my book," he opined on social media at the time.
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On Wednesday, White expressed his amusement at the fact that his Oval Office criticism marked the first time that the White House responded to his remarks despite his numerous other posts criticizing the president, including incidents when he called Trump a "Nazi," a "racist," and a "fascist."
"It wasn't me calling out any of that, it was the f---ing DECOR OF THE OVAL OFFICE remarks I made that got them to respond with insults," White wrote. "How petty and pathetic and thin skinned could this administration get?"
"He's masquerading as a Christian, as a leader, as a person with actual empathy. He's been masquerading as a businessman for decades," the "Seven Nation Army" musician wrote.
Wesley Stenzel
Wed, August 20, 2025
Entertainment Weekly
Key points
A representative for the White House called Jack White a "washed-up, has-been loser" after he criticized the Oval Office's decor.
White responded by saying he believes President Trump is "masquerading as a human being."
White also opined that Trump is "masquerading as a Christian, as a leader, as a person with actual empathy."
Jack White has strong words for the Trump administration.
The former White Stripes frontman posted a lengthy statement in an Instagram gallery condemning Donald Trump's policies and past on Wednesday. The post came in response to White House communications director Steven Cheung calling him a "washed-up, has-been loser" in a statement to The Daily Beast following White's shorter criticism of the president on Tuesday.
Key points
A representative for the White House called Jack White a "washed-up, has-been loser" after he criticized the Oval Office's decor.
White responded by saying he believes President Trump is "masquerading as a human being."
White also opined that Trump is "masquerading as a Christian, as a leader, as a person with actual empathy."
Jack White has strong words for the Trump administration.
The former White Stripes frontman posted a lengthy statement in an Instagram gallery condemning Donald Trump's policies and past on Wednesday. The post came in response to White House communications director Steven Cheung calling him a "washed-up, has-been loser" in a statement to The Daily Beast following White's shorter criticism of the president on Tuesday.
John Nacion/Variety via GettyJack White at 'SNL50: The Homecoming Concert' in New York City on Feb. 14, 2025
"Here's my opinion, trump is masquerading as a human being," the "Icky Thump" musician wrote. "He's masquerading as a christian, as a leader, as a person with actual empathy. He's been masquerading as a businessman for decades as nothing he's involved in has prospered except by using other people's money to find loophole after loophole and grift after grift."
Entertainment Weekly has reached out to the White House for further comment.
White previously called out the Oval Office's new gold decor, which was prominently visible during Trump's meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"Look at how disgusting trump has transformed the historic White House," the singer wrote on Instagram Tuesday. "It's now a vulgar, gold leafed and gaudy, professional wrestler's dressing room. Can't wait for the UFC match on the front lawn too, he's almost fully achieved the movie 'Idiocracy'."
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty; Christopher Furlong/Getty
Cheung responded on the White House's behalf in a comment to The Daily Beast.
"Jack White is a washed up, has-been loser posting drivel on social media because he clearly has ample time on his hands due to his stalled career," he said. "It's apparent he's been masquerading as a real artist, because he fails to appreciate, and quite frankly disrespects, the splendor and significance of the Oval Office inside of 'The People’s House.'"
In Wednesday's post, White responded to specific jabs from Cheung. "'Masquerading as a real artist'? Thank you for giving me my tombstone engraving!" the musician wrote. "I have 'ample time on (my) hands'? That orange grifter has spent more tax payer money cheating at golf than helping ANYONE in the country. Improve. Anything."
MediaPunch/Bauer-Griffin/GC ImagesJack White in New York City on Aug. 20, 2024
This is far from the first time that White has criticized the president. The musician previously threatened Trump's 2024 campaign for using the White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army" in a video.
"Don't even think about using my music you fascists," he wrote on Instagram at the time. "Law suit coming from my lawyers about this (to add to your 5 thousand others.)
White also called out celebrities like Mark Wahlberg, Joe Rogan, Mel Gibson, and Guy Fieri for their participation in a 2023 meet-and-greet with Trump. "Anybody who 'normalizes' or treats this disgusting fascist, racist, con man, disgusting piece of s--- Trump with any level of respect is ALSO disgusting in my book," he opined on social media at the time.
Want more movie news? Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free newsletter to get the latest trailers, celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more.
On Wednesday, White expressed his amusement at the fact that his Oval Office criticism marked the first time that the White House responded to his remarks despite his numerous other posts criticizing the president, including incidents when he called Trump a "Nazi," a "racist," and a "fascist."
"It wasn't me calling out any of that, it was the f---ing DECOR OF THE OVAL OFFICE remarks I made that got them to respond with insults," White wrote. "How petty and pathetic and thin skinned could this administration get?"
White House Spokesperson Totally Loses It Over Rock Star's Trump Takedown
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung slammed musician Jack White's criticism of Donald Trump. DREW ANGERER via Getty Images
White provoked Cheung’s wrath after posting on Instagram a photo of Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday.
In his caption, White blasted the Oval Office redesign as looking like “a professional wrestler’s dressing room.” In full, he wrote:
Look at how disgusting trump has transformed the historic White House. It’s now a vulgar, gold leafed and gaudy, professional wrestler’s dressing room. Can’t wait for the UFC match on the front lawn too, he’s almost fully achieved the movie ‘Idiocracy’. Look at his disgusting taste, would you even buy a used car from this conman, let alone give him the nuclear codes? A gold plated trump bible would look perfect up on that mantle with a pair of trump shoes on either side wouldn’t it? What an embarrassment to American history. Also pictured in this photograph, a REAL leader of a nation in a black suit.
Related: Rock Star Calls Trump 'A Danger' To 'The Entire World' In Fiery Instagram Post
White has not responded to Cheung’s slam.
Trump, who frequently attacks celebrities who criticize him, has remained silent on White’s comments and Cheung’s response.
The rocker has previously branded Trump “scum” and a “wannabe dictator,” and last year condemned the use of his band’s anthem “Seven Nation Army” in a pro-Trump video.
Lee Moran
Wed, August 20, 2025
HUFFPOST
Rock star Jack White’s blistering critique of Donald Trump and the president’s blinged-out Oval Office makeover has sparked a furious response from the White House.
Communications Director Steven Cheung lashed out after the White Stripes star described the Trump-era decor as “vulgar.”
“Jack White is a washed-up, has-been loser posting drivel on social media because he clearly has ample time on his hands due to his stalled career,” Cheung fumed about the 12-time Grammy winner to The Daily Beast.
“It’s apparent he’s been masquerading as a real artist, because he fails to appreciate, and quite frankly disrespects, the splendor and significance of the Oval Office inside of ‘The People’s House,’” Cheung added.
Wed, August 20, 2025
HUFFPOST
Rock star Jack White’s blistering critique of Donald Trump and the president’s blinged-out Oval Office makeover has sparked a furious response from the White House.
Communications Director Steven Cheung lashed out after the White Stripes star described the Trump-era decor as “vulgar.”
“Jack White is a washed-up, has-been loser posting drivel on social media because he clearly has ample time on his hands due to his stalled career,” Cheung fumed about the 12-time Grammy winner to The Daily Beast.
“It’s apparent he’s been masquerading as a real artist, because he fails to appreciate, and quite frankly disrespects, the splendor and significance of the Oval Office inside of ‘The People’s House,’” Cheung added.
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung slammed musician Jack White's criticism of Donald Trump. DREW ANGERER via Getty Images
White provoked Cheung’s wrath after posting on Instagram a photo of Trump’s meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday.
In his caption, White blasted the Oval Office redesign as looking like “a professional wrestler’s dressing room.” In full, he wrote:
Look at how disgusting trump has transformed the historic White House. It’s now a vulgar, gold leafed and gaudy, professional wrestler’s dressing room. Can’t wait for the UFC match on the front lawn too, he’s almost fully achieved the movie ‘Idiocracy’. Look at his disgusting taste, would you even buy a used car from this conman, let alone give him the nuclear codes? A gold plated trump bible would look perfect up on that mantle with a pair of trump shoes on either side wouldn’t it? What an embarrassment to American history. Also pictured in this photograph, a REAL leader of a nation in a black suit.
Related: Rock Star Calls Trump 'A Danger' To 'The Entire World' In Fiery Instagram Post
White has not responded to Cheung’s slam.
Trump, who frequently attacks celebrities who criticize him, has remained silent on White’s comments and Cheung’s response.
The rocker has previously branded Trump “scum” and a “wannabe dictator,” and last year condemned the use of his band’s anthem “Seven Nation Army” in a pro-Trump video.
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