NYT reports Trump discussed moving reporters out of White House press room

Donald Trump has repeatedly proposed removing reporters from the White House press room and restoring an indoor swimming pool there, The New York Times reported, citing three people familiar with the discussions. The proposal has not been carried out.

The newspaper said the president discussed the idea in late August with Karoline Leavitt, who was then press secretary. Trump also told aides he wanted to bring back the pool where the press facilities now stand.

White House communications director Steven Cheung told the Times that the administration was considering all options and would announce a decision when it deemed appropriate.

The pool was installed under President Franklin Roosevelt in 1933. Under Richard Nixon, the space was adapted for journalists. Accredited correspondents now use an office adjoining the briefing room.

The discussions come amid a dispute over media access to the White House. In September, Trump barred journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico, accusing them of spreading false news. A federal judge subsequently ordered the administration to restore those outlets’ access.