Trump Clashes With Independent Reporter as White House Press Access Disputes Grow

President Donald Trump on Tuesday told Andrew Feinberg, the Independent's White House correspondent, that something was wrong with him, and on Wednesday the White House restricted Feinberg's access as a pool reporter. The exchange followed Feinberg's questions about a plan to close a historic Washington golf course for 15 months for remodeling, and about the $25 million Fraud Whistle Blower Incentive Program, which pays tipsters one percent of recovered fraud, capped at $30,000. Feinberg noted that whistleblowers under the False Claims Act can receive 10 to 25 percent. White House Correspondents' Association President Jacqui Heinrich condemned the restriction. Separately, the New York Times reported Trump is considering turning the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room into a swimming pool; Communications Director Steven Cheung said all options remain open.

Alternative outlets covered the story through the WHCA's condemnation of the pool restriction (The Hill) and, in a mocking tone, the briefing-room report, Cheung's statement and past eviction ideas (The A.V. Club). Left-leaning Mother Jones led with the exchange and said an official White House account posted a slur for people with Down syndrome about Feinberg. Right-leaning outlets had not reported the story at the time of writing.