White House Explores Moving Press Corps to Rebuild Historic Swimming Pool
Washington, D.C., Thursday, 22 October 2026.
The White House is considering relocating press corps reporters outside the West Wing, potentially replacing the current briefing room with Franklin D. Roosevelt’s historic 1933 indoor swimming pool.
Proposal to Relocate Press Corps Gains Traction
Administration officials are actively weighing options to move the White House press corps out of the traditional James S. Brady Press Briefing Room to a larger facility outside the West Wing [1]. This proposed relocation, discussed by advisors in Washington as of 21 October 2026, marks a potential shift in executive branch media relations and communications infrastructure [1]. Major media organizations have raised operational concerns regarding reporters’ physical access to senior administration officials should the move proceed [1]. President Trump has previously characterized the relocation of the press corps to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building as a potential legacy project for former Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt before her departure in late August 2026 [2][5].
Historical Context and Pool Restoration Plans
The driving force behind the potential eviction of the press corps is the desire to restore an indoor swimming pool originally installed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933 [2][5]. The current West Wing press briefing room was constructed during the Nixon administration by covering the pool to accommodate media needs [1][5]. On 27 September 2026, President Trump posted images on Truth Social contrasting the existing briefing room, labeled Fake News, with a proposed FDR Pool restoration [5]. While the pool structure remains intact beneath the flooring, no formal relocation date has been set for the media displacement [2][5].
Escalating Tensions with Media Organizations
This consideration emerges amid heightened friction between the White House and major news outlets throughout 2026 [3][4]. In September 2026, the administration attempted to ban CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House complex, though a federal judge later reinstated their credentials citing potential First Amendment violations [1][4]. Additionally, on 17 October 2026, White House Counsel Will Scharf demanded Politico retract specific stories regarding White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles under threat of consequences [3]. The administration continues to periodically exclude CNN from the television press pool, compounding access disputes [1].
Current Status and Official Statements
As of 22 October 2026, no final decision regarding the relocation has been made, and the administration states all options remain under review for a future announcement [1][5]. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung stated that America is rightly distrustful of the fake news media because they fabricate stories based off lies [1]. Conversely, President Trump has previously remarked regarding the press reaction to such moves, stating The press went crazy, so I said, Let’s not move it [1]. Advisors continue to consider the proposal, viewing it as part of a broader strategy regarding media access [2][5].