Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg released a proposal Monday on a topic that’s sure to be on voters’ minds as they weigh who to vote for in 2020: a White House makeover.
The former mayor of New York City and Medford native said on Twitter that if he’s elected, he’ll turn the East Room into an open office plan and work from there, while using the Oval Office “for some official functions — never for tweeting."
— Mike Bloomberg (@MikeBloomberg) December 30, 2019As president, I'll turn the East Room into an open office plan, where I’ll sit with our team.
I’ll use the Oval Office for some official functions – never for tweeting – but the rest of the time, I’ll be where a leader should be: with the team. https://t.co/zIU3ZL5uIv pic.twitter.com/jLwWKJCmxw
The East Room is the largest room in the White House and is usually used for receptions and other large events. President Trump frequently uses it to host press conferences with foreign leaders.
It’s been a busy week for Bloomberg in office space-related news. The tweet links to a Politico article on his campaign’s move to a Times Square office, where there’s “an open layout with a desk out in the open for Bloomberg."
Many took to Twitter to air their grievances with Bloomberg’s announcement — and open office floor plans.
As we enter a new decade in which America continues to bomb Iraq, the most pressing question I have for presidential candidates is: how would you redecorate the White House?
— Olivia Nuzzi (@Olivianuzzi) December 30, 2019
— David Glasgow (@dvglasgow) December 30, 2019What else will President Bloomberg do in the Oval Office? I’m thinking:
– trust falls in staff orientation
- spelunking at team retreats
- PPT slide decks at all meetings
- requiring all employees to “timeline” their “deliverables”
Man with private office says employees should all sit in an open office and he will even sit with them when not using his private office.
— James Hamblin (@jameshamblin) December 31, 2019
Amanda Kaufman can be reached at amanda.kaufman@globe.com. Follow her @amandakauf1.