President Obama's desk is The Resolute Desk
While President Obama and his family were on vacation at Martha's Vineyard, the Oval Office in the West Wing of the White House received a facelift. We, the public, had the chance to view the redecorated office last Tuesday evening as President Obama addressed the nation on the end of combat operations in Iraq. Because the network television camera must adhere to traditional White House protocol of focusing on the President, many elements of the room are not shown. Thanks to press releases and the Internet, full views of the newly redecorated Oval Office are easily available.
The Oval Office was created in 1909 as part of an overall expansion to the West Wing of the White House during the administration of William Taft. The room is oval in design and has three large south-facing windows behind the president's desk. Many a president has been photographed by these windows -- often lost in thought.
President Obama's desk is The Resolute Desk, built from the timbers of a British warship. It was a gift to President Rutherford B. Hayes and was installed in the Oval Office by John F. Kennedy with some firm nudging from first lady Jackie. It had been used by presidents Carter, Clinton, Reagan and George W. Bush, as well.
