The anticipation of Donald Trump's return to the White House has already begun to weigh heavily on journalists preparing to cover his second administration.
According to Fox News, White House reporters are expressing exhaustion even before Trump's second term officially begins, citing the president-elect's rapid-fire policy announcements and cabinet nominations.
The transition period has sparked concerns among journalists about the intensity of coverage required, with several veteran reporters drawing parallels to the demanding nature of Trump's first term. Various media outlets are already strategizing how to approach coverage differently this time around, focusing on broader implications rather than reacting to every presidential statement.
New York Times White House correspondent Peter Baker, speaking to Vanity Fair, emphasized the all-consuming nature of covering Trump's presidency:
Anybody who went through it the last time remembers how nonstop it was. It ends up kind of becoming all-consuming and taking over your life. It wears you down.
The Hill's national political reporter, Julia Manchester, described the current atmosphere as déjà vu, noting how Trump's unpredictable nature has already manifested during the transition period. The rapid pace of cabinet picks and policy announcements has created a sense of immediate urgency among journalists.
Reporters acknowledge that while the news cycle remains intense, they plan to approach coverage with more strategic consideration rather than responding to every presidential statement or social media post.
News outlets are developing new approaches to cover Trump's second term, with many planning to focus on larger narratives rather than individual incidents. This shift represents a significant change from the previous administration's coverage.
Politico's national political correspondent Meredith McGraw noted that while drama and intrigue continue to follow Trump, media organizations are likely to be more selective in their coverage. The focus will shift toward comprehensive storytelling rather than reactive reporting.
Baker emphasized that news organizations must be more discerning about which stories to pursue, suggesting that not every presidential statement will warrant immediate coverage.
The dynamic between the press corps and Trump's team is expected to evolve, given their accumulated experience from the first term. Journalists anticipate a more sophisticated approach to media relations from the incoming administration.
Some reporters have expressed concerns about potential restrictions on press access, including the possibility of being removed from the White House briefing room. However, Baker maintained that such challenges would not deter coverage.
McGraw highlighted a crucial difference from 2016: Trump's team now possesses a deeper understanding of media operations and has established relationships with news organizations. This expertise could significantly influence how information flows between the administration and the press.
The White House press corps is preparing for Donald Trump's return to the presidency, with reporters already experiencing fatigue from the intense transition period and rapid policy announcements. The situation has prompted news organizations to develop new coverage strategies while maintaining their commitment to thorough reporting. Media outlets and journalists are adapting their approach based on lessons learned from Trump's first term, anticipating challenges and opportunities in covering an administration that now has experience working with the press.
