Trump's briefing room plan

News · Heat 2.4 / 10 · 2 shows · 6m airtime

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.

How 2 podcasts covered it

1. Consider This from NPR, 2026-10-22 (3:17 to 4:50)
   Interviews Marcus on scrapping the briefing room
   Interviews Ruth Marcus about the Times report that Trump wants to scrap the briefing room and restore the Roosevelt-era pool. She calls it petty and vindictive but not helpful, and points to the Pentagon as proof that ousting reporters does not stop reporting.
   New angle: Trump has told staff he wants to eliminate the White House briefing room and restore the Roosevelt-era pool.
2. The Bulwark Daily, 2026-10-27 (25:52 to 30:36)
   Floats Minaj for press secretary
   Pairs the briefing-room plan with a new name in the press secretary rumor mill: Steven Chung floated Nicki Minaj, and Jake LaHutt reported she has a real chance. Sarah reads the move across the street to the EEOB as another access restriction, and notes Caroline Leavitt declined to make it her legacy.
   New angle: Steven Chung floated Nicki Minaj as press secretary, and Jake LaHutt reported she has a real chance at the job.