Pool Reports of November 20, 2025

In-town pool report #1: Inquired about event

A good Thursday morning to you all from the White House grounds, where a smattering of golden leaves is still hanging on to the trees and the clanking of ballroom construction carries across the complex. Just outside the gates, flags of Saudi Arabia are still flying from lamp posts along Pennsylvania Avenue.

I have inquired about whether the 2 p.m. event with freed Israeli hostages in the State Dining Room will open to the pool, and will provide any updates accordingly.

In-town pool report #2: Lunch lid

The White House has called a lunch lid until 12:45 p.m.

In-town pool report #3: Two minutes to briefing

White House gives a two-minute warning for the briefing with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

In-town pool report #4: Briefing begins

Karoline Leavitt began the White House press briefing at 1:22 p.m.

In-town pool report #5: Briefing ended

The White House press briefing ended at 1:58 p.m. Roughly 11 minutes of the briefing was Education Secretary Linda McMahon speaking and taking questions. 

Pool has not been informed that the 2 p.m. hostage event is open, so it appears the event will remain closed to press.

In-town pool report #6: Lid

The White House called a lid for the day at 6:09 p.m. Have a nice evening, everyone.