Trump Unveils Customized Gold Desk Phone in Oval Office
President Donald Trump has unveiled a new gold-colored desk phone in the Oval Office, drawing attention to both the handset and a familiar red button on the Resolute Desk.
Photographs taken at the White House captured the customized phone, and Trump later confirmed its novelty during an Oval Office event. “Yeah! You know who gave this to me? A phone company,” Trump mentioned, showcasing the phone.
The handset features gold trim and presidential branding, including the presidential seal, an image of the White House, Trump’s name, and numbers “45” and “47,” referencing his nonconsecutive terms in office. This new phone complements Trump’s redesign of the Oval Office, which includes more gold accents since his return.
Newsweek contacted the White House via email for comment on the phone.
Trump’s New Gold Phone
Though the White House hasn’t publicly identified the model, the phone resembles Cisco’s 8851 series business phones, previously linked to Trump’s Oval Office communications during his first term. Historical photos from 2017 showed Cisco desk phones on Trump’s desk.
Reuters correspondent David Shepardson reported the device was manufactured by Cisco, noting that Cisco, not phone companies, makes handsets. Shepardson shared this information on social media.
Newsweek also reached out to Cisco for comment on the new device.
Why Does Trump Have Two Phones?
The photos showed two phones on or near the Resolute Desk. Having multiple desk phones is consistent with Trump’s previous setup during his first term.
The purpose of each phone hasn’t been clarified by the White House, but multiple communications devices linked to different networks are common in presidential settings.
A nearby wooden box with a red button also garnered attention. This button, famous since Trump’s first term, summons a valet with a Diet Coke when pressed. This quirky feature remained part of Trump’s working style. Removed during President Joe Biden’s administration, the button returned with Trump’s inauguration.
What Is the Cisco IP Phone 8851?
Technology enthusiasts identified the handset as similar to a Cisco IP Phone 8851, widely used in business and government settings. Although the model isn’t unusual, the customization, including gold trim and presidential branding, caught interest.
This phone fits into Trump’s gold-themed branding pattern. Earlier, Trump Mobile released a gold-colored smartphone, the T1 Phone, reflecting Trump’s enduring preference for gold finishes in branding and office decor.
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