what is the resolute desk
History & Culture. The Resolute desk is a massive oak desk closely associated with presidents of the United States due to its prominent placement in the Oval Office. The desk arrived at the White House in November 1880, as a gift from Britain's Queen Victoria.
Every president since Hayesâexcept Presidents Johnson, Nixon, and Fordâhas used the Resolute desk, although some chose to use it in their private study in the Residence. The desk was made famous in part by a photograph of John Kennedy at work while his son, John Jr., peeked out the front through the kneehole panel.