Trump’s Return Energizes Media as Reporters Reflect on Covering a Chaotic White House

Donald Trump’s return to the White House is not only energizing his MAGA base but also sparking excitement among some White House reporters who admit his presidency provides abundant material to cover. In interviews with The Columbia Journalism Review (CJR), several correspondents reflected on the contrast between reporting under President Joe Biden and the anticipated unpredictability of Trump’s second term.

During Biden’s administration, many reporters expressed frustration, claiming they lacked direct access to the president. According to Jake Lahut of CJR, “White House reporters say Biden team preferred to offer background quotes from in-house experts whose job it was to speak to the press; when the president did meet with a large number of outlets, like during his pre-election rounds of interviews on Black radio stations, it was through highly orchestrated conversations, sometimes including pre-approved lists of questions.”

One veteran White House reporter summarized the sentiment, saying, “For a lot of people, what was the point in even going?” In contrast, reporters are bracing for a more dynamic—and chaotic—experience with Trump, who is known for his contentious yet media-savvy style. As Lahut noted, “Trump, on the other hand, adores the attention of the media, even as he frequently maligns the reporters themselves.”

One reporter highlighted the paradoxical relationship Trump has with the press, saying, “Despite his sometimes strident and sometimes even violent rhetoric about the press, he loves talking to us. And his team — they like talking to us, and they know that they’re going to have a huge audience.”

The return of Trump also brings speculation about whether his administration will be as tumultuous as his first. Another reporter suggested that the second term might show a degree of stability compared to the disorganization of his first presidency. “I actually think the team that’s coming in is not going to be as horrific as people might imagine. It’s not going to be like the first Trump term, where nobody had any idea what they were doing,” they said.

While Trump’s polarizing leadership style is sure to reignite tensions, it is also expected to provide ample opportunities for the press to engage with an administration that thrives on attention and controversy. For better or worse, his presidency promises to keep reporters—and their audiences—on their toes.