Mr. Gibbs briefed reporters and answered questions on a number of issues, focusing primarily on the decision to not release photographs of prisoner treatment under the Bush administration. The decision was a reversal of a prior effort to release information on detainee treatment. Mr. Gibbs indicated that the reversal was made out of concern for the safety of U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The briefing was interrupted at one point by ringing cell phones, one of which Mr. Gibbs confiscated.