Reporters already exhausted by Trump’s impending second term

In the United States, members of the White House press corps have expressed feelings of exhaustion regarding the upcoming second term of President-elect Donald Trump. This sentiment was highlighted in a Vanity Fair article where various reporters shared their concerns about the intense nature of covering Trump. New York Times correspondent Peter Baker characterized the experience of covering Trump's first term as all-consuming, suggesting that the relentlessness of the news cycle significantly impacted their personal lives. He noted that despite Trump not yet taking office, reporters are already feeling overwhelmed by the expectations and demands associated with his administration. Julia Manchester, a political reporter for the Hill, added that the unpredictability of the incoming president adds to this anxiety, likening the situation to a sense of déjà vu after the recent election. She observed that the transitioning period after the November 5 election is fraught with immediate challenges and potential turbulence as the Biden administration prepares to hand over power. Furthermore, investigations into Trump's past actions, Cabinet selections, and his style of governance are likely to contribute to a hectic environment for journalists. Meredith McGraw from Politico mentioned that Trump's actions often involve behind-the-scenes drama, which can complicate reporting. Nonetheless, she predicted a shift from the extensive and immediate reaction to Trump’s social media postings, advocating for a more strategic approach focusing on broader narratives instead of reacting to every tweet or post. This strategic change could signify an evolution in how the press covers political figures, particularly Trump, who is known for his ability to dominate media attention. Despite these changes in coverage strategy, Baker raised concerns that potential clashes with Trump during press briefings could lead to reporters being excluded from these interactions altogether, which would pose challenges to transparency and access. Nevertheless, he emphasized a determination among journalists to continue their work regardless of the circumstances. The press corps acknowledges that Trump is now a more experienced politician, raising the stakes for how they will engage with the news and reporting processes once his administration officially begins.