Trump floating the idea of moving White House press area to ‘less obnoxious location’

Trump floating the idea of moving White House press area to ‘less obnoxious location’ Trump has consistently criticized U.S. media outlets, accusing them of biased coverage regarding his administration - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in President Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday that he is considering shifting the White House press corps to a new area. Trump rejected a report claiming he intended to tear down the current press briefing room to bring back a historic swimming pool, stating he had never "even thought to do such a stupid thing,” Trump said on social media. Still, he noted that moving reporters out of their existing White House space remains a possibility. "I may move the Fake News to a less obnoxious location," Trump wrote in his post. The New York Times reported Tuesday that Trump had suggested to then-press secretary Karoline Leavitt in August that news briefings be moved outside the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room, though the plan was not enacted. That report claimed the president expressed a preference for the indoor therapy pool originally built during Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency. The Nixon administration later replaced that pool with the current press room. Trump has consistently criticized U.S. media outlets, accusing them of biased coverage regarding his administration. During a Tuesday press gaggle, Trump repeatedly snapped at Andrew Feinberg, The Independent’s White House correspondent, ordering him to pipe down, warning him to “be careful” and labeling him a “sick person.” “Wait, wait, wait, wait. Quiet, quiet!” Trump said while seated behind the Resolute Desk. “What’s wrong with you? Are you a sick person? I actually think there’s something wrong with you.” Last month, he temporarily prohibited journalists representing CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from entering White House grounds, warning other organizations could face similar measures. Advocates for free expression argued the decision violated First Amendment rights. Their credentials were restored following a federal judge's ruling that the ban was likely unconstitutional, though the Trump administration remains in court fighting the case. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments