Newsom Torches Trump’s Tacky New Oval Office Addition
The paper sign reminded the governor of an infamous cliché.

Photo Illustration by Thomas Levinson/The Daily Beast/Getty
California Governor Gavin Newsom mocked President Trump’s newly-taped-on Oval Office sign by pointing out it looked like a reminder to “Live Laugh Lose.”
The Governor Newsom Press Office X account posted an edited photo that changed “The Oval Office” sign to read “Live Laugh Lose” Wednesday afternoon.

President Trump's new Oval Office sign (left) was "improved" on by Gavin Newsom (right).
Anadolu / Getty Images, X / GovPressOffice
The phrase is a reference to “Live Laugh Love,” a motto that widely appears on merchandise associated with “basic,” or generic, home decor.
Newsom’s press team was far from the only commenter to make the connection.
ADVERTISEMENT
The highly-flourished typeface of Trump’s gold Oval Office sign reminded many of the typeface associated with the “Live Laugh Love” motto. X user @AmyA1A was among several commenters to point out the similarity as “The Oval Office” sign began attracting attention.
— Amygator 🐊 *not an actual alligator (@AmyA1A) November 5, 2025
Other commenters have roasted the sign, suggesting Trump, 79, put it up to remind him of where the Oval Office is. Some suggested the sign itself was more akin to a chain restaurant logo than a sign for one of the most important rooms in the world.
Honestly first thing that came to my mind when I saw it https://t.co/H6n2WCm4Kp pic.twitter.com/mPSf8TmhXl
— Evan Rosenfeld (@Evan_Rosenfeld) November 5, 2025
The White House defended Trump’s paper sign. Spokesperson Davis Ingle told The Daily Beast, “President Trump is making the White House beautiful and giving it the glory it deserves. Only the Daily Beast and people with a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome would find a problem with that.”

President Donald Trump delivers remarks alongside a poster of the "Trump Gold Card" in the gold-covered Oval Office.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Newsom’s tweak of “Live Laugh Love” to “Live Laugh Lose” is particularly prescient following his victory on Prop 50, a ballot measure in California that will allow the state to redistrict its congressional map to favor Dems. The measure, introduced by Newsom in response to gerrymandering efforts in red states, passed overwhelmingly in Tuesday’s elections.
Get the best of The Beast delivered right to your inbox
By clicking “SUBSCRIBE” you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Democratic strategists suggest the victory bolsters Newsom’s standing as a potential 2028 presidential candidate. Speaking to AP, Democratic strategist and commentator Sawyer Hackett said Newsom, 58, is “betting that Democratic primary voters will remember that he was standing as this bulwark against Trump as he’s attempting to consolidate power. And I think he’s right.”

Democratic strategists say Newsom's Prop 50 victory raises his profile ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run.
Jill Connelly/Getty Images
Newsom has flirted with a presidential run, and told CBS News he’ll make a decision after the 2026 midterms.
The Prop 50 victory for the governor was one of several Election Night defeats Republicans suffered on Tuesday. Democrats won their gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey by double digits, and democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani won his race for New York City mayor.
The utter shellacking suffered by the GOP led to hysterics from GOP influencers and politicians as they decide how to best move forward following the 2025 elections.

An excavator sits on the rubble after the East Wing of the White House was demolished on October 28, 2025 to accommodate President Trump's plans to construct a ballroom.
Alex Wong/Getty Images
One issue hurting Trump and Republicans is the president’s brazen destruction and redesign of the White House. Fifty-percent of Americans disapprove of Trump’s renovations compared to 33 percent who approve, according to polling from YouGov America.
Register below to read this article for free or subscribe
to unlock unlimited access to The Daily Beast.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Sign In
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.


ADVERTISEMENT
Sign in or create an account
Login dialog
Loading comments…
ADVERTISEMENT