US President Donald Trump has confirmed he may move the White House press corps from its current location, while denying a reported plan to restore a historic swimming pool beneath the briefing room. In a social media post on Friday, Trump called the pool story "Fake News" but indicated he could relocate reporters "to a less obnoxious location".
The New York Times reported on Tuesday that Trump pitched the idea to his former press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, who left the role on August 27. Leavitt confirmed on Friday that Trump was "flirting" with restoring the pool, though she said she did not know if he would follow through.
Trump's latest comments come amid heightened tensions with the press. Last month, he banned journalists from CNN, MS NOW and POLITICO from the White House. A federal judge later ruled the ban likely unconstitutional, forcing the White House to restore access, a ruling the administration continues to appeal. During an Oval Office event this week, Trump attacked Andrew Feinberg, a White House correspondent for The Independent, saying, "What's wrong with you? Are you a sick person? I actually think there's something wrong with you."
Moving the press corps would be the latest in a series of White House renovations Trump has undertaken since returning to office. He has demolished the East Wing to build a new ballroom, replaced the Rose Garden lawn with concrete pavers and constructed a helipad on the South Lawn.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- A relocation of the press corps could reduce spontaneous interactions between journalists and administration officials, potentially limiting transparency.
- The move continues a pattern of Trump administration actions that critics see as hostile to the press.
- The unresolved court case over the earlier press ban may shape the legal boundaries of White House media access.
Background
The White House press briefing room is built above an indoor swimming pool installed in 1933 for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who used it for polio therapy. President Richard Nixon had the pool covered in the 1970s to create space for the press. Since returning to power last year, Trump has pursued several property renovations.
Key Perspectives
President Donald Trump: denies planning to replace the briefing room with the pool but says he may move reporters to a "less obnoxious location".
The New York Times: reported that Trump pitched the relocation to Leavitt.
Karoline Leavitt: confirms Trump was "flirting" with restoring the pool but is unsure if he will act.
Proponents of free speech: said the earlier ban on three outlets violated First Amendment protections.
US Federal Judge: ruled the ban likely unconstitutional and ordered restoration of access.
Trump administration: continues to appeal the ruling.
What to Watch
- Whether Trump announces a formal relocation plan.
- The outcome of the administration's appeal in the press access case.
- Response from press freedom groups and the White House Correspondents' Association.