Olivia Asher is a reporter at the New Herald Tribune covering breaking news for the Digital Trends Desk. Before joining the newsroom in 2022, she covered criminal justice issues at the Orlando Plain Dealer.
December 5 , 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump on Thursday publicly criticized the Pantone Color Institute after it selected “White House Gaudy Gold” as its 2026 Color of the Year—a choice Pantone described as “a reflective, demonstrative metallic hue inspired by the aesthetics of modern power.”
The president, speaking to reporters before boarding Marine One, called the designation “a disgraceful piece of branding” and “an unnecessary jab at the administration’s impeccable design sense.”
Pantone officials insisted the naming was not intended as political commentary. “Color of the Year selections reflect cultural trends, design movements, and global conversations,” said Mira Zalovic, Pantone’s Creative Director, in a written statement. “White House Gaudy Gold was chosen for its visual boldness and the ongoing rise of maximalist décor styles. Any perceived political implication is coincidental.”
According to Pantone’s official description, the hue is a “vibrant, high-shine tin-like gold with assertive undertones,” a characterization that sparked debate on social media within minutes of its announcement. Supporters of the choice praised the color for its “striking confidence,” while critics questioned whether the name was an intentional satire of contemporary White House aesthetics.
President Trump dismissed both the color and the conversation around it. “If they wanted to name a color after the White House, they could’ve picked something elegant,” he said. “We have tremendous décor—people tell me it’s the best décor. This ‘gaudy’ stuff? Totally made up.”
Industry retailers say they expect brisk sales for products featuring the new hue, particularly in holiday décor and luxury accessories. Pantone’s Color of the Year traditionally influences trends across fashion, interiors, and branding for months after its release.
Meanwhile, the White House did not confirm whether “White House Gaudy Gold” appears anywhere in the presidential residence. A spokesperson responded only, “The public should not assume this administration endorses the color.”
Pantone plans to release an extended palette—featuring complementary shades such as “Diplomatic Bronze” and “Executive Marble”—later this month.
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