President Donald Trump targeted the White House press corps by sharing an altered image depicting the briefing room replaced by a luxury swimming pool labeled the "FDR Pool."
Trump Shares ‘Fake News’ Press Room Image
On Sunday, Trump shared the side-by-side image on Truth Social, showing the current White House press briefing room alongside a lavish swimming pool.
The briefing room was labeled "Fake News — Before" while the pool was labeled "FDR Pool — After," referring to former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
The graphic depicts the historic pool as replacing the briefing room, which currently houses White House journalists and is used for press conferences and media broadcasts.
The Press Room’s Pool History
According to the White House Historical Association, the pool was built in 1933 for Roosevelt and was located in the West Terrace between the White House and West Wing.
In 1970, during former President Richard Nixon’s administration, the pool was covered and converted into the press room as the White House press corps expanded. The pool remains underneath the floor.
Former President Gerald Ford later installed an outdoor pool on the White House grounds in 1975.
Trump Banned CNN, MS NOW and Politico
Last week, the President banned CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, accusing them of publishing "FAKE NEWS" about his administration.
CNN is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. (NASDAQ:WBD); Politico is owned by privately held Axel Springer. MS NOW, formerly known as MSNBC, operates under independent media company Versant Media Group Inc. (NASDAQ:VSNT).
Trump said the decision followed "cumulative stories" that he believed were deliberately negative toward Republicans.
CNN called the threatened ban an "illegal assault" on its First Amendment rights, while Politico had vowed to continue reporting and defend its First Amendment rights.
A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore White House access for CNN, MS NOW and Politico, finding that their press credentials were likely revoked in violation of constitutional due process protections.
Judge Tim Kelly issued a 14-day restraining order blocking the ban.
AP Faced White House Access Ban
Last year, the White House had barred Associated Press reporters from two events after the outlet declined to use "Gulf of America" instead of "Gulf of Mexico."
AP called the move an attempt to punish its editorial decision, while press freedom groups had criticized the exclusion.
Photo Courtesy: Rawpixel.com on Shutterstock.com
Login to comment