As Donald Trump prepares for his second term as president, the White House press corps is gearing up for what is expected to be an intense and tumultuous period.

The onset of Donald Trump's second administration has already plunged White House reporters into a state of weariness, reminiscent of what they experienced during his first term, as Fox News reports.

The fatigue is palpable among the journalists tasked with covering the presidency.

Many reporters who experienced Trump's first term anticipate a similar, if not more strenuous, environment this time around.

With a faster pace in policy moves and cabinet nominations, reporters like Peter Baker from the New York Times describe the task as demanding and all-consuming.

Press Corps Faces Exhaustion Even Before Start

"Anybody who went through it the last time remembers how nonstop it was," said Baker. The relentless news cycle under Trump's presidency demands continuous attention and often results in personal exhaustion among reporters.

Baker emphasized the taxing nature of such coverage, saying, "It ends up kind of becoming all-consuming and taking over your life. It wears you down."

Adding to the challenges is Trump's unpredictability and frequent clashes with the press, which many journalists believe will continue into his second term. This unpredictability, alongside the rapid developments, necessitates a high level of alertness and adaptability, often straining the reporters.

Strategic Shifts in Covering White House

The White House press corps, learning from their previous experiences, plans to adopt a more strategic approach to coverage.

"We have to recognize that he is a different, more experienced person at turning the levers of power than he was the first time around," Baker noted. This strategic shift includes focusing on bigger-picture stories and not reacting to every development -- an approach aimed at managing resources and maintaining journalistic integrity.

Meredith McGraw, another seasoned White House correspondent, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of "thinking bigger-picture about stories." This approach helps avoid the frenetic pace set by the administration's rapid policy updates and frequent social media communications, which often create a scattered news landscape.

Concerns Over Media Access and Relationships

Another pressing concern for reporters covers the potential risks of restricted access. Baker expressed worries about reporters being expelled from the White House briefing room, a scenario that would drastically change how journalists gather news from presidential sources. "If Trump kicks us out of the White House briefing room... then fine, we'll still cover from the outside," Baker stated, showing a resilient stance toward maintaining coverage regardless of access limitations.

Trump's team, now more experienced in handling media relations, is expected to utilize their established connections more effectively. "They’ll definitely tap into the knowledge of how the media works and relationships with news organizations and reporters," McGraw noted. This could mean either smoother interactions or more sophisticated challenges for the press, depending on how the administration chooses to engage.

Emotional Toll on Reporters Increasing

Julia Manchester, another reporter covering the transition, highlighted the rapid transition pace with Trump's cabinet picks as "right into the fire." This intensity is not just a professional challenge but also impacts journalists on a personal level, contributing to the broader feeling of exhaustion that Baker mentioned. "Everybody’s exhausted, and he hasn’t even taken office yet," Baker reflected, illustrating the steep ramp-up period even before the official start of the term.

No matter the location or situation, Trump's presence evokes "behind-the-scenes drama and intrigue," according to McGraw. This constant state of affairs makes the journalistic endeavor not just a job but a continuous engagement with a dynamic and often unpredictable political environment.

Leveraging Experience for Effective Coverage

In conclusion, while the White House press corps faces significant challenges in covering President-elect Trump’s second administration, reporters are adopting new strategies based on past experiences.

With a focus on major stories and maintaining strong journalistic standards, reporters are bracing for an exhausting yet crucial period.

Their commitment to adapting strategies, confronting potential access issues, and managing personal exhaustion underscores the critical nature of their role in keeping the public informed in an era of rapid and often turbulent political developments.