NPR

Trump Opts For Gravitas Of The Oval Office As He's In Need Of A Game-Changing Moment

In the third week of the shutdown, President Trump will give a national address about the unbuilt wall on the Mexico border and the partially shuttered government.
President Harry S. Truman speaks during a television address from the Oval Office in 1947.

When President Trump addresses the nation from the Oval Office on Tuesday night he will be sharing the space with more than a teleprompter and an array of TV cameras.

The room with the legendary shape will also be filled with ghosts. The spirit of every president in the television age will be alive in the memories of millions watching at home.

To some degree, that is the idea. When you address the nation from the iconic broadcast space all presidents have inhabited since Harry Truman,, of momentous decision-making.

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR3 min readAmerican Government
The Search For An Impartial Jury In Trump's Hush Money Case Resumes
Jury selection continues in the trial focused on the former president. Trump is present in the courtroom while New Yorkers answer personal questions about their ability to serve on the jury.
NPR4 min read
What Are 'Orphan Crops'? And Why Is There A New Campaign To Get Them Adopted?
The grass pea is one: a hardy crop that can thrive in a drought. An agriculturist is spearheading an effort to diversity what farmers grow as climate change threatens staples like corn and wheat.
NPR4 min read
A Portrait Of Haitians Trying To Survive Without A Government
Haiti is on the verge of collapse, with little to no government. But many Haitians have already learned to live without the support of the state, as NPR discovered traveling to Cap-Haïtien.

Related Books & Audiobooks