White House Media: Trump proposes moving reporters to a less obnoxious spot
The president dismissed claims he wants to remove the briefing room to restore a historic pool, though former press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested the idea is being considered.
By David Almasi ·
President Donald Trump stated on Friday that he may relocate the White House press corps to a different site. He described the potential new location as 'less obnoxious' in a post on Truth Social. The remarks came as he addressed speculation regarding the future of the current briefing room.
The president rejected reports that he planned to demolish the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room. He labeled those accounts 'Fake News' and wrote, 'I NEVER even thought to do such a stupid thing!' The comments pushed back against suggestions that he intended to clear the space for a historic swimming pool.
The New York Times reported on Tuesday that Trump had discussed moving journalists out of the current room with his former press secretary, Karoline Leavitt. Leavitt served until August 27. She appeared on HBO's 'Real Time with Bill Maher' on Friday to discuss the matter. Leavitt said Trump was 'flirting' with restoring the pool to 'all of its glory.' She added, 'I don't know if he'll do it.'
The pool was constructed in 1933 for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who swam to manage pain from polio. Richard Nixon ordered a floor built over the pool in the 1970s to create the current briefing room. The water feature remains beneath the existing floor. Trump has told aides he wishes to bring the pool back, according to the Times.
The comments arrive during a period of friction between the administration and the press. Last month, the White House barred reporters from CNN, MS NOW, and POLITICO. A federal judge ruled the order likely unconstitutional, forcing the administration to restore access. The White House is currently challenging that ruling in court.
Trump also engaged in a verbal exchange with Andrew Feinberg, a correspondent for The Independent, during an Oval Office event on Tuesday. Trump asked, 'What's wrong with you? Are you a sick person? I actually think there's something wrong with you.' The White House shared the moment on social media. Any structural changes would join other projects on the property, including a new ballroom in the former East Wing, concrete pavers in the Rose Garden, and a helipad on the South Lawn.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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