The White House faced an insurrection by the press corps after attempting an outrageous move against CNN.

“White House staff just came into the briefing room and informed the print pooler that they want them to swap seats w CNN. That would move CNN to the back row from the front,” Yahoo News White House correspondent Hunter Walker reported shortly before Friday’s briefing began.

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However, the seating assignments are made by the White House Correspondent’s Association (WHCA).

Chris Johnson, of the Washington Blade, the print pool reporter, said he would not move unless instructed by the WHCA, even in the face of threats that the Secret Service would forcibly remove him. CNN’s Kaitlan Collin also refused to give up her seat.

Walker himself threatened to boycott the briefing if White House staff moved reporters from their seats.

White House staff just came into the briefing room and informed the print pooler that they want them to swap seats w CNN. That would move CNN to the back row from the front. @whca made these seat assignments not staff — Hunter Walker (@hunterw) April 24, 2020

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I am not going to participate in a briefing if the White House moves reporters from their assigned seats. — Hunter Walker (@hunterw) April 24, 2020

We just got word the briefing will begin in one minute. Reporters were not moved. Shout out to @chrisjohnson82 @kaitlancollins and the @whca for standing their ground. — Hunter Walker (@hunterw) April 24, 2020

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Tonight the White House tried to have me, and only me, swap seats with another reporter several rows back. We both refused to move from our seats that were assigned well in advance. The briefing was short, the president took no questions and it proceeded as planned. — Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) April 24, 2020