Trump floats moving press corps to quieter spot

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on Friday to suggest that the White House press corps could be relocated to a different site. He described the potential new venue as a less obnoxious location. This statement marks a fresh development in the ongoing tension between the administration and the journalists who cover its daily activities.

In the same post, Trump directly addressed reports claiming he planned to remove the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room. He rejected the idea that he intended to clear the space to restore a historic swimming pool located beneath it. He called those accounts Fake News and wrote, I NEVER even thought to do such a stupid thing! However, his comments left open the possibility that the dozens of reporters currently working in that room might move elsewhere.

The discussion traces back to a Tuesday report by The New York Times. The outlet stated that Trump had pitched the idea of moving journalists to his former press secretary, Karoline Leavitt. Leavitt’s tenure ended on August 27, and the idea did not advance during that time. She appeared on HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher on Friday, noting that Trump was flirting with the concept of restoring the pool to all of its glory. She added that she did not know if he would ultimately follow through.

The pool in question has a significant historical footprint. It was built in the West Wing in 1933 for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who suffered from polio. According to his presidential library, Roosevelt often swam in the pool to ease soreness. In the 1970s, President Richard Nixon had a floor constructed over the water to create space for the briefing room as the press corps expanded. The pool remains intact beneath that floor today.

These remarks arrive during a strained period for White House correspondents. Last month, the administration barred journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and POLITICO from the property. Free speech proponents argued the move violated First Amendment protections. A US federal judge ruled the order likely unconstitutional, forcing the White House to restore access. The administration continues to challenge that ruling.

Trump has also frequently criticized media members he believes provide unfair coverage. On Tuesday, he lashed out at Andrew Feinberg, The Independent’s White House correspondent, during an Oval Office event. Feinberg was attempting to ask a question when Trump asked, What’s wrong with you? Are you a sick person? I actually think there’s something wrong with you. The White House later shared the moment on social media platforms.

Any modification to the briefing room would join a list of controversial projects that have altered the White House property since Trump returned to power last year. He has demolished the East Wing to build a new ballroom, covered the central Rose Garden lawn with concrete pavers, and constructed a helipad on the South Lawn. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.