US President Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday that he is considering relocating the White House press corps to another location. The head of state made the relevant statement following media reports about his plans to dismantle the briefing room to restore a historic swimming pool.
Denial of Plans to Demolish the Press Room
On social media, the US leader refuted previous reports claiming he intended to demolish the White House briefing room and restore the historic swimming pool in its place. According to Donald Trump, the idea of doing such a foolish thing "never even crossed his mind." Nevertheless, the head of state confirmed his intention to change the current location of media representatives.
Plans for Relocating the Press Corps
Commenting on the placement of press representatives, the US president added that he might move the press corps from its current location in the White House to a new building or space. "Maybe I will move the Fake News to a less unpleasant place," Trump said. Earlier, The New York Times reported that in August, the president urged former press secretary Karoline Leavitt to move press conferences from the James Brady briefing room.
Historical Context and Media Disputes
According to the publication, during Franklin Roosevelt's administration, an indoor therapeutic pool was located on the site of the modern briefing room, which the Richard Nixon administration later converted into a press conference room. Such initiatives and presidential statements occur against the background of his regular criticism of American media for biased coverage of the administration. Previously, legal disputes arose between the White House and several outlets due to temporary restrictions on journalists' access to the residence.
Significance of the Statement and Reaction
The potential relocation of the White House press corps highlights ongoing tensions between the current US administration and leading mass media. Such administrative steps and public discussions demonstrate the White House's strict approach to information policy. Further developments will depend on the practical steps of the executive branch and the reaction of professional journalistic communities to any changes in their working conditions.
