Jim Acosta’s tenure at CNN has come to an end, marking the close of nearly two decades with the network.
According to Newsmax, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to express his views shortly before Acosta announced he was leaving CNN.
In his post on Tuesday morning, President Trump did not hold back, targeting both Acosta and the network. He dubbed CNN as "CNN Fake News" and mocked Acosta's new time slot as "the Midnight hour, 'Death Valley'," attributing it to poor viewer ratings and speculating about Acosta's dissatisfaction at CNN.
This speculation seemed to gain some credence as shortly after Trump’s critique, former CNN media correspondent Brian Stelter shared Jim Acosta’s resignation statement on Twitter.
In his farewell, Acosta expressed his appreciation for the network and its audience. He emphasized the importance of truth and hope in his parting words.
"I've decided to move on," Acosta conveyed, urging everyone to "Hold on to the truth – and to hope."
The network responded to Acosta’s announcement by issuing a statement highlighting his significant contributions over the years. A CNN spokesperson lauded Acosta for his fearless pursuit of journalistic truth, particularly in defending the First Amendment and the broader ideals of journalistic integrity. They expressed gratitude for his dedication and wished him success in his future endeavors.
Donald Trump's response to the event was encapsulated in a striking remark. He labeled Acosta as one of the worst reporters, a "major sleazebag" who was demoted due to extremely bad ratings and a lack of talent. Trump even expressed his hope that Acosta would quit, predicting failure in any of his future undertakings.
Wow, really good news! Jim Acosta, one of the worst and most dishonest reporters in journalistic history, a major sleazebag, has been relegated by CNN Fake News to the Midnight hour, 'Death Valley,' because of extraordinarily BAD RATINGS (and no talent!). Word is that he wants to QUIT, and that would be even better. Jim is a major loser who will fail no matter where he ends up. Good luck Jim!
The interaction between Donald Trump and Jim Acosta has been historically contentious, often punctuated by Trump's sharp criticisms during his presidency whenever Acosta reported on him or his administration for CNN.
Despite the criticism from Trump, CNN upheld Acosta’s career as indicative of the values that embody rigorous journalism. They pointed to his persistent commitment to reporting truthfully, which often included confrontations with authority to uphold the press's rights.
During his tenure at CNN, Acosta has had notable moments where he challenged leaders and shed light on pressing issues, earning both acclaim and controversy. As he steps away, his impact on the landscape of political reporting continues to provoke discussion about the role of journalists in modern media.
Jim Acosta's departure from CNN ends a notable chapter in the network's history as it continues to navigate the complex interplay of media, politics, and public opinion.
With his nearly 20-year commitment to challenging authority and advocating for journalistic freedoms, Acosta has been a prominent figure in the debates surrounding media and its role in democracy. His leaving marks the end of an era and the beginning of new challenges for both him and the network.