Trump Proposes Replacing Press Room With Swimming Pool

The president suggests relocating White House media to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Immigration

Trump Proposes Replacing Press Room With Swimming Pool

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President Trump recently proposed replacing the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room with an indoor swimming pool. The president pitched the idea to his staff in late August 2026, suggesting the move would restore the facility originally built by Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Why it matters

The proposal aims to reclaim the space for an indoor pool, a feature installed in 1933 that was later covered by Richard Nixon to create the current press workspace. If implemented, the plan would displace credentialed news organizations to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

The proposal involves restoring an indoor swimming pool installed in 1933. The existing press workspace was created by President Richard Nixon, who covered the original pool to house media staff.

The players

Donald Trump

Donald Trump is the current President of the United States.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 to 1945.

Richard Nixon

Richard Nixon was the 37th President of the United States who oversaw the transition of the pool area into a press room.

Karoline Leavitt

Karoline Leavitt served as the White House press secretary until August 2026.

The details

President Trump, who has raised the idea of evicting the press corps since his first term, discussed the relocation of media staff to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Karoline Leavitt stepped down as White House press secretary on Aug. 27, 2026, shortly after the concept was pitched in the Oval Office.

Franklin D. Roosevelt installed the indoor swimming pool in 1933.
President Trump pitched the press room eviction idea in late August 2026.
Karoline Leavitt stepped down as press secretary on Aug. 27, 2026.

Political Context

Opponents of the proposal argue that removing the press from the White House inhibits government transparency and limits the media's ability to hold the executive branch accountable. This plan marks a total reversal of the Nixon-era press room conversion.

The relocation would fundamentally alter how citizens receive information regarding daily activities at the White House. Residents and taxpayers may experience reduced transparency if the press corps is moved further from the president's primary workspace.

The takeaway

The proposed shift reflects a long-standing desire by the president to reclaim the historic pool space for recreational use. Understanding this plan provides insight into the ongoing tension between the executive office and the established media infrastructure.