This is hilarious.
As the nation prepares for President Donald Trump’s second term, the White House press corps is already bracing for the grueling pace that will accompany his return to office. Veteran reporters who covered his first term know all too well the demands of covering an administration led by Trump, whose ability to dominate the news cycle was unmatched. The intensity of reporting on the Trump administration in 2017-2021 became all-consuming, with major developments happening almost daily, and it seems clear that the second term will be no different.
Even before President Trump officially takes office, the media is already grappling with the rapid pace of his announcements. His early decisions regarding cabinet picks, policy proposals, and plans for his second term have set the stage for another exhausting news cycle. Journalists are already feeling the strain, with some noting that the fast-moving developments have left them feeling “exhausted” even before Trump has formally returned to the White House.
Part of the challenge of covering Trump is the unpredictable nature of his leadership. Trump is known for creating a sense of constant uncertainty, keeping both his supporters and detractors on edge. This makes it difficult for reporters to predict what might happen next, and many in the press have compared the situation to the frenzy they experienced during his first campaign and presidency. The unpredictability means that reporters are often forced to react quickly and cover every new development, regardless of how small or dramatic.
However, there’s a recognition that the media’s response to Trump’s second term may be different. News organizations are likely to be less reactive to every single tweet or announcement, and more focused on the broader implications of his policies and actions. Journalists will likely adopt a more strategic approach, emphasizing long-term stories over the daily drama.
One key difference from 2016 is that Trump and his team are now far more experienced in handling the media. Over the course of his first term, they’ve honed their ability to navigate the press, develop relationships with reporters, and control the narrative in ways they hadn’t done previously. With a deeper understanding of how the media operates, Trump’s team will be better prepared to manage coverage during his second term.
Despite the challenges of covering a president who thrives on drama and unpredictability, the press is committed to their work. If Trump decides to restrict their access, the media will adapt and continue reporting from outside the briefing room or in other ways. While the exhaustion is real, reporters are determined to stay on top of the stories that matter and hold the administration accountable throughout the next four years.