Trump weighs relocating White House journalists from briefing room
Developing story first seen 2 hours ago
Trump is considering moving the White House press corps out of its longtime briefing room to make space for other needs, while ruling out reports that he plans to restore the swimming pool beneath it. The proposal could change where journalists cover the presidency, though he has not specified a new location or what the space would be used for.
The room is the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room, built above the former pool during Richard Nixon’s presidency to accommodate growing demand for television news. The pool opened in 1933 for Franklin D. Roosevelt, who used therapy pools; Trump’s comments come amid wider White House renovations, including a planned ballroom and two 88-foot flagpoles installed last July.
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In short
- Trump may relocate the White House press corps.
- He says the former pool will not be restored.
- The briefing room could be used for other needs.
How this story developed
- 3 minutes ago Trump added that journalists could be shifted to what he called a “less obnoxious” location, while again dismissing reports that he wanted to revive the swimming pool beneath the briefing room.
- 9 minutes ago Trump was weighing a move to relocate the White House press corps from its longstanding briefing room, but had not named a new venue or explained how the space might be used.
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The case for
The White House could argue that it needs to use limited space for its operational priorities and that the press corps can continue reporting from another suitable location. Moving the briefing room would also give the administration flexibility to adapt the building as its needs change, provided journalists retain meaningful access to officials and briefings.
The case against
The briefing room was created to support the press corps’ role in informing the public, and relocating it could make that work harder or signal reduced regard for independent reporting. Journalists could reasonably argue that any move should preserve their access, working conditions and ability to question the administration, rather than treating the press presence as an inconvenience.
Explained simply
The James S. Brady Briefing Room is where White House officials hold televised briefings and answer questions from reporters. It was built above an indoor swimming pool during Richard Nixon’s presidency, as television news briefings became more common.
The pool opened in 1933 and was used by Franklin D. Roosevelt for therapeutic swimming. The briefing room is part of a wider complex of White House work, including plans for a ballroom and two large flagpoles. Any change to the press room would affect where journalists question the administration and how they cover it.
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Originally published by Fox News as “Trump isn’t done overhauling the White House — and his next move could hit the media where it works”.