Trump confirms possible relocation of White House press corps

President Donald Trump has confirmed he may move the White House press corps to a different location, possibly away from the executive residence, amid ongoing tensions with the media. In a social media post on Friday, Trump dismissed reports that he planned to remove the press briefing room to restore a historic swimming pool as “Fake News,” but indicated he might relocate reporters “to a less obnoxious location.” Source: Al Jazeera

Background and context

The New York Times reported that Trump had pitched the idea of moving journalists out of the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room to former press secretary Karoline Leavitt, though the proposal did not advance before her tenure ended on August 27. Source: Al Jazeera Leavitt confirmed during a Friday interview that Trump was “flirting” with the idea of restoring the pool, which was built in 1933 for President Franklin D. Roosevelt and later covered by a floor under President Richard Nixon to create the briefing room. Source: Al Jazeera

Broader tensions with media

Trump’s remarks come amid a fractious relationship with journalists. Last month, he banned reporters from CNN, MSNBC, and POLITICO from the White House, a move a federal judge ruled likely unconstitutional, forcing the administration to restore access. The administration is appealing the ruling. Source: Al Jazeera During an Oval Office event on Tuesday, Trump attacked The Independent’s White House correspondent Andrew Feinberg, asking, “What’s wrong with you? Are you a sick person?” Source: Al Jazeera

Other White House changes

If Trump proceeds, it would be the latest in a series of controversial projects transforming the property, including demolishing the East Wing for a new ballroom, installing concrete pavers over the Rose Garden lawn, and building a helipad on the South Lawn. Source: Al Jazeera