Trump proposes moving White House press corps to new site

Donald Trump indicated on Friday that he might move the White House press corps to a different location, potentially outside the executive residence.

In a post on Truth Social, the president addressed reports about the future of the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room. He rejected the idea that he would remove the room to restore a historic swimming pool beneath it, labeling those accounts "Fake News" and stating he never thought to do "such a stupid thing."

The proposal for a move follows a report by The New York Times on Tuesday. The paper stated that Trump discussed relocating journalists with former press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Leavitt served in that role until August 27. The idea did not proceed during her tenure. In a Friday interview on HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher, Leavitt said Trump was "flirting" with restoring the pool and might want to bring it back "to all of its glory."

The submerged pool was constructed in 1933 for President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Roosevelt used the water to ease soreness from polio. In the 1970s, President Richard Nixon ordered a floor built over the pool to create space for a briefing room as the press corps expanded. The pool remains under the current floor.

The comments arrive during a period of friction between the administration and the media. Last month, Trump barred journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and POLITICO from the White House. A federal judge later ruled the order likely unconstitutional, forcing the White House to restore access. The administration is appealing that decision. On Tuesday, Trump criticized Andrew Feinberg, a correspondent for The Independent, in the Oval Office. He asked Feinberg, "What's wrong with you? Are you a sick person?" while the reporter attempted to ask a question.

A change to the briefing room would join other alterations to the property since Trump returned to power last year. He has demolished the East Wing to construct a ballroom, covered the Rose Garden lawn with concrete pavers, and installed a helipad on the South Lawn. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.