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)
France reported more than 2,500 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours — the largest single-day number since May. French officials said the situation was "clearly worsening," per France 24.
By the numbers: Over 745,600 people have died of the novel coronavirus globally and over 20.4 million have tested positive, per Johns Hopkins. Almost 12.7 million have recovered from the virus.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Photo: Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images
Joe Biden's campaign announced on Wednesday that it raised $26 million in the 24 hours after revealing Sen. Kamala Harris as his vice presidential pick.
Why it matters: The cash influx signals that Harris has helped the Democratic presidential campaign pick up steam. Nearly 150,000 contributors were first-time donors, according to the campaign statement.