Aug 23, 2017

White House reveals renovated West Wing

Carolyn Kaster / AP

The completed West Wing renovation project — undertaken during President Trump's vacation to his Bedminster, New Jersey golf club and New York City — was unveiled today with the spotlight on a revamped Oval Office, per CBS News.

  • The Oval Office refresh featured new wallpaper and a rug used by Ronald Reagan, at least until Trump designs his own floor covering, which might necessitate more new wallpaper.
  • A White House official on the Oval Office: "[Mr. Trump] wanted to bring back the luster and glory of the White House. The Obama wallpaper was very damaged. There were a lot of stains on it."
  • Other revamps: An overhaul of the 27-year-old HVAC system, new carpeting throughout the West Wing, and a whole host of new furnishings that the White House pointed out were all "made in America."
The newly renovated Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017, during a media tour. (Carolyn Kaster / AP)
The Resolute Desk is seen in the newly renovated Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017, during a media tour. (Carolyn Kaster / AP)
The newly renovated Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017, is seen during a media tour. (Carolyn Kaster / AP)
Workmen prepare new carpeting for the West Wing of the White House in Washington, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017, as it undergoes renovations while President Donald Trump is spending time at his golf resort in New Jersey. (J. Scott Applewhite / AP)
The newly renovated stairs of the South Portico porch of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017, are seen during a media tour. (Carolyn Kaster / AP)

Go deeper

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of 4 p.m. ET: 5,463,392 — Total deaths: 344,503 — Total recoveries — 2,195,325 — Map.
  2. U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 4 p.m. ET: 1,653,904 — Total deaths: 97,948 — Total recoveries: 366,736 — Total tested: 14,163,915 — Map.
  3. World: Italy reports lowest number of new cases since February — Ireland reports no new coronavirus deaths on Monday for the first time since March 21 — WHO suspends trial of hydroxychloroquine over safety concerns.
  4. 2020: Trump threatens to move Republican convention from North Carolina — Joe Biden makes first public appearance in two months.
  5. Public health: Officials are urging Americans to wear masks over Memorial Day.
  6. Economy: New York stock exchange to reopen its floor on Tuesday — White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett says it's possible the unemployment rate could still be in double digits by November's election — Charities refocus their efforts to fill gaps left by government.
  7. What should I do? Hydroxychloroquine questions answered — Traveling, asthma, dishes, disinfectants and being contagious — Masks, lending books and self-isolating — Exercise, laundry, what counts as soap — Pets, moving and personal health — Answers about the virus from Axios experts — What to know about social distancing — How to minimize your risk.
  8. Other resources: CDC on how to avoid the virus, what to do if you get it, the right mask to wear.

Subscribe to Mike Allen's Axios AM to follow our coronavirus coverage each morning from your inbox.

Updated 2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Italy reports lowest number of new coronavirus cases since February

Italy’s aerobatic team Frecce Tricolori fly over Milan in Duomo Square on May 25. Photo: Francesco Prandoni/Getty Images

The Italian government reported 300 new cases of coronavirus on Monday, the lowest daily increase since Feb. 29.

Why it matters: Italy, the first country in Europe to implement a nationwide lockdown after emerging as a hotspot in March, appears to have finally weathered its coronavirus outbreak. Italy has reported nearly 33,000 total deaths, the third-highest total behind the U.S. and U.K.

Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow3 hours ago - World

Joe Biden makes first public appearance in over two months

Photo: Oliver Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

Former Vice President Joe Biden made his first in-person appearance in over two months on Monday to honor Memorial Day by laying a wreath at a Delaware veterans park, AP reports.

Why it matters: Biden, the Democratic Party's presumptive nominee, has taken the unprecedented step of campaigning from his home during the coronavirus pandemic, ever since canceling a rally in Cleveland on March 10.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow5 hours ago - Politics & Policy