Trump Weighs Moving Press Corps

President Donald Trump indicated on Friday that he may move the White House press corps to a new site, describing the potential destination as a "less obnoxious location." The President made the remark in a Truth Social post, where he also rejected reports that he planned to demolish the current briefing room to expose a submerged swimming pool.

Trump called the pool restoration reports "Fake News" and stated, "I NEVER even thought to do such a stupid thing!" The comments follow a New York Times report from Tuesday claiming that Trump had previously discussed moving journalists out of the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room with former press secretary Karoline Leavitt. The idea reportedly did not proceed before Leavitt left her role on August 27.

The pool in question was constructed in 1933 for Franklin D. Roosevelt, who used it to alleviate pain from polio. Richard Nixon covered the pool with a floor in the 1970s to create space for the expanding media presence. Leavitt told HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher" on Friday that Trump was "flirting" with restoring the pool to its former glory, though she admitted uncertainty about whether he would follow through.

The potential relocation occurs during a strained period between the administration and the press. Last month, Trump banned journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and POLITICO from entering the White House. A US federal judge later ruled the ban likely unconstitutional, forcing the White House to restore access, a decision the administration continues to contest.

Tensions flared again on Tuesday in the Oval Office, where Trump confronted Andrew Feinberg, the White House correspondent for The Independent. As Feinberg attempted to ask a question, 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 exchange on social media.

Any architectural changes to the briefing room would join a series of alterations to the property since Trump returned to power last year. The administration has demolished the East Wing for a new ballroom, installed concrete pavers in the Rose Garden, and constructed a helipad on the South Lawn. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The proposed move would affect dozens of reporters who currently operate from the Brady Room. The President's latest signals suggest a preference for a different physical environment, even as he maintains that the pool remains covered.