Story perspectives

Justice Department Seeks Network Data After Pool Coverage Ends

By Drooid · Oct 22, 2026, 6:44 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Trump Considers Press Relocation

President Donald Trump discussed moving the White House press corps to another building.
Steve Bannon and FHFA director Bill Pulte promoted a pool-styled relocation.
White House communications director Steven Cheung said all relocation options remain on the table.
On September 27, Trump posted a Truth Social image turning the briefing room into a gilded pool.
On Oct. 9, the Justice Department sent letters demanding network information after pooled TV coverage stopped.

Summary

Reagan Creates Briefing Room

President Franklin D. Roosevelt built the room in 1933 as a pool for his polio-affected legs.
President Richard Nixon covered the pool in the early 1970s to expand space for the press corps.
President Ronald Reagan turned the covered area into a press briefing room with a low stage in 1981.
President Bill Clinton renamed it after James S. Brady, Reagan’s spokesman injured in the 1981 assassination attempt, in 2000.

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Trump Considers Press Relocation

President Donald Trump discussed moving the White House press corps to another building.
Steve Bannon and FHFA director Bill Pulte promoted a pool-styled relocation.
White House communications director Steven Cheung said all relocation options remain on the table.
On September 27, Trump posted a Truth Social image turning the briefing room into a gilded pool.
On Oct. 9, the Justice Department sent letters demanding network information after pooled TV coverage stopped.

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