President Trump has renewed discussions about relocating the White House press corps from their century-old workspace inside the building, a move that could fundamentally reshape the relationship between the presidency and news media. White House insiders confirm the proposal remains under active consideration, with outside allies including former Trump strategist Steve Bannon pushing the plan in recent weeks.
Historic Workspace at Risk
Reporters have occupied dedicated workspaces within the White House for more than a century. The current briefing room, constructed during the Nixon administration, replaced a swimming pool from Franklin Roosevelt’s era. Late last month, Trump posted an image to Truth Social suggesting the briefing room could be converted back into a pool, signaling his continued interest in removing journalists from the West Wing. No final decisions have been made, according to two sources close to the president.
newsbreakapp.com/n/1GIeehmR?s=a…
White House Response and Previous Attempts
White House communications director Steven Cheung defended the administration’s position, stating that Americans distrust news media organizations that fabricate stories based on unreliable sources. He confirmed all options remain under consideration. Trump previously floated similar plans before his 2017 inauguration, with incoming chief of staff Reince Priebus discussing relocating briefings to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building adjacent to the West Wing. Trump ultimately abandoned those plans after intense media pushback, telling Fox News two days before his inauguration that he decided against the move after journalists objected strongly.
Broader Administration Pattern
The proposal emerges after more than a year of escalating disputes between the Trump administration and journalists over White House access. The pattern extends beyond the White House itself. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell recently announced plans to establish a new press workspace in an annex facility outside the Pentagon building, though still on Pentagon grounds. Administration officials previously framed relocation proposals as efforts to broaden access by utilizing roomier facilities instead of cramped West Wing spaces. Critics argue such moves would reduce transparency and limit journalists’ ability to quickly question officials and monitor presidential activities in real time.
I like it. too many leaks out of the WH.