WASHINGTON, D.C. — Donald Trump has long been known for his distinctive taste in design.

From gleaming gold accents to grand chandeliers and luxury hotel interiors, the president’s personal style has become one of the most recognizable aspects of his public image.

But a new book detailing life inside Trump’s White House is drawing attention to a far more unexpected design preference.

And according to CNN, it left several people in the studio visibly uncomfortable.

The surprising revelation emerged during a discussion about Regime Change, a new book by veteran New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan.

The authors have spent years covering Trump and his inner circle, and their latest work offers a behind-the-scenes look at the president’s return to the White House.

During an interview on CNN, anchor John Berman highlighted several unusual details from the book.

One, in particular, immediately caught everyone’s attention.

Trump’s reported fondness for carpeting in bathrooms.

The reaction was instant.

Before even asking the question, Berman joked that several people in the studio had already expressed discomfort after hearing about it.

Then came confirmation.

According to Haberman, bathroom carpeting was not merely a casual preference.

It was reportedly something Trump specifically wanted restored after returning to office.

“Yes,” Haberman responded when asked whether the detail was accurate.

What followed was an even broader discussion about Trump’s extensive efforts to redesign portions of the White House.

According to the authors, Trump has devoted significant attention to decorating and personalizing his surroundings since returning to office.

Unlike his first term, when relatively few visual changes were made to the Oval Office, the current White House reportedly reflects a much stronger emphasis on decorative elements.

Gold ornaments.

Trophies.

Frames.

Decorative trim.

And numerous other additions.

The transformation has reportedly become so extensive that aides began noticing how much enjoyment Trump appeared to derive from the process.

According to Haberman, some staff members viewed decorating as one of the activities that brought the president the greatest satisfaction.

She described it as something akin to a daily creative outlet.

But it was the bathroom carpeting detail that continued dominating the conversation.

Haberman explained that in addition to wall-to-wall carpeting, there were reportedly small carpeted pieces used near shower areas rather than traditional bath mats.

That description triggered an immediate reaction.

Many homeowners and interior designers have moved away from bathroom carpeting over concerns involving moisture, maintenance, odors, and mold growth.

While carpeted bathrooms were popular in some homes decades ago, they are now far less common.

The practical concerns quickly became part of the discussion.

According to Haberman, White House staff occasionally expressed worries about health and maintenance issues associated with the arrangement.

Those concerns reportedly included the possibility of moisture-related problems.

The moment became unexpectedly humorous when Berman interrupted the conversation.

The CNN host jokingly suggested the topic had already generated enough discomfort among colleagues watching the interview.

“I think nothing grosses the guys out more,” he remarked, referring to reactions from others in the studio.

The exchange quickly attracted attention online.

Social media users debated everything from interior design trends to presidential decorating habits.

Some found the detail amusing.

Others questioned why anyone would voluntarily install carpeting in a bathroom.

Supporters dismissed the discussion as trivial.

Critics viewed it as another example of Trump’s uniquely personal approach to nearly every environment he occupies.

The broader revelations about White House redecorating have also generated interest.

Trump’s fondness for gold accents and elaborate decorative features has long been documented through his hotels, residences, and business properties.

The latest accounts suggest that same aesthetic vision now plays an increasingly visible role inside the White House itself.

Whether admired or criticized, it is undeniably distinctive.

For many Americans, however, the lasting image from the interview may not involve gold trophies or Oval Office decorations.

Instead, it may be the simple realization that one of the world’s most famous residences reportedly contains something few people expected to hear about in 2026:

Wall-to-wall bathroom carpeting.

And judging by the reaction on CNN, that detail alone was enough to leave an entire television studio talking.