The New York Times reported on October 22, 2026 that Trump told staff he wants to eliminate the White House briefing room and turn it back into the swimming pool it was during the Roosevelt administration. The discussion weighs whether the move is serious policy or symbolic pettiness, noting that past presidents of both parties fantasized about moving reporters out and that reporting continued after Hegseth ejected reporters from the Pentagon. Attention has since shifted to the press secretary job itself, with Steven Chung floating Nicki Minaj for the role and Jake LaHutt reporting she has a real chance at it.