A peculiar incident involving a tech mogul's young son leads to changes in one of America's most recognized pieces of presidential furniture.

According to the New York Post, President Donald Trump has ordered the temporary removal of the iconic Resolute Desk from the Oval Office after Elon Musk's 4-year-old son X appeared to wipe nasal debris on it during a live television broadcast last week.

The incident occurred during a joint Q&A session where Elon Musk and Trump were discussing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

X Æ A-12, Musk's son with musician Grimes, was present during the meeting and displayed typical toddler behavior, moving around the room and fidgeting throughout the session.

At one point, cameras captured the young boy exploring his nasal cavity and apparently depositing the findings on the historic desk's surface.

Presidential germaphobe takes swift action

Trump, well-known for his aversion to germs, acted promptly upon discovering the desk's contamination. The president announced the temporary replacement through his Truth Social platform, explaining his decision to the public.

The White House has implemented immediate measures to address the situation, bringing in the C&O desk as an interim replacement while the Resolute Desk undergoes refinishing work.

The C&O desk, which now temporarily occupies the Oval Office, carries its own distinguished history. Originally constructed for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway company's executives, this piece of furniture found its way to the White House in 1987 through a donation from rail company GSX. Before its current emergency deployment, the desk served in the Oval Office Study in 1975.

President Trump emphasized the temporary nature of this arrangement through his social media announcement. His message aimed to reassure the public about the preservation of White House traditions while maintaining necessary hygiene standards.

Historic significance of Resolute Desk

The Resolute Desk represents more than just a piece of furniture in the White House. Built from the remains of the British Arctic exploration vessel HMS Resolute, this desk came to the United States as a gift from Queen Victoria to President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1880. Since its installation, it has served numerous American presidents in their daily duties.

Multiple presidents have worked at this historic desk, including John F. Kennedy, who first used it in 1961. Following Kennedy, other notable presidents such as Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden conducted their presidential business at this same desk. The desk's significance extends beyond its practical use, symbolizing the enduring relationship between the United States and Great Britain.

Trump shared on Truth Social:

This desk, the 'C&O,' which is also very well-known and was used by President George H.W. Bush and others, has been temporarily installed in the White House while the Resolute Desk is being lightly refinished—a very important job. This is a beautiful, but temporary replacement!

Unexpected outcomes of White House visit

Young X's presence in the Oval Office created an unprecedented situation during what was intended to be a formal discussion about government efficiency.

The toddler's natural behavior, while age-appropriate, led to unexpected consequences for one of America's most treasured historical artifacts. This incident highlights the challenges of maintaining historical presidential artifacts while accommodating modern-day political functions and family presence.

The White House's quick response to the situation demonstrates the administration's commitment to preserving historical items while maintaining appropriate standards of cleanliness. The temporary desk swap ensures the continuity of presidential operations while allowing for the necessary maintenance of the Resolute Desk.

Final resolution of desk drama

President Donald Trump initiated the replacement of the historic Resolute Desk after an unexpected incident involving Elon Musk's young son during a live television broadcast from the Oval Office.

The desk, which has served multiple presidents since 1961, is currently undergoing refinishing work while the C&O desk temporarily fulfills its role.

The White House continues to maintain its daily operations with the substitute desk in place, preserving both functionality and historical significance while the Resolute Desk receives the necessary attention. This incident demonstrates the delicate balance between preserving historical artifacts and managing contemporary White House functions.