CNN White House reporter Jim Acosta had his press credentials revoked by the White House Wednesday after the reporter had a testy exchange with President Trump.
During the news conference following the midterm elections, Trump defended his characterization of the migrant caravan as an “invasion” before slamming Acosta as a “rude, terrible person.”
Acosta also refused to pass the microphone to a White House intern who was directed by the President to move on to the next reporter.
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders released a statement Wednesday night announcing the move, saying Acosta placed ‘his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern’:
“President Trump believes in a free press and expects and welcomes tough questions of him and his Administration. We will, however, never tolerate a reporter placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern. This conduct is absolutely unacceptable. It is also completely disrespectful to the reporter’s colleagues not to allow them an opportunity to ask a question. President Trump has given the press more access than any President in history.
We stand by our decision to revoke this individual’s hard pass. We will not tolerate the inappropriate behavior clearly documented in this video. pic.twitter.com/T8X1Ng912y
— Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) November 8, 2018
Contrary to CNN’s assertions there is no greater demonstration of the President’s support for a free press than the event he held today. Only they would attack the President for not supporting a free press in the midst of him taking 68 questions from 35 different reporters over the course of 1.5 hours including several from the reporter in question. The fact that CNN is proud of the way their employee behaved is not only disgusting, it‘s an example of their outrageous disregard for everyone, including young women, who work in this Administration.
As a result of today’s incident, the White House is suspending the hard pass of the reporter involved until further notice.”
CNN’s response to Trump’s press conference today: pic.twitter.com/EPJCRf25EI
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) November 7, 2018
Acosta took to twitter before the announcement, saying he was denied entrance on the White House grounds.
I’ve just been denied entrance to the WH. Secret Service just informed me I cannot enter the WH grounds for my 8pm hit
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) November 8, 2018
The US Secret Service just asked for my credential to enter the WH. As I told the officer, I don’t blame him. I know he’s just doing his job. (Sorry this video is not rightside up) pic.twitter.com/juQeuj3B9R
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) November 8, 2018
This is a lie. https://t.co/FastFfWych
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) November 8, 2018
CNN’s Jim Acosta Karate Chops White House Staff Member While Refusing To Give Up Mic pic.twitter.com/xc8KEswftC
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) November 7, 2018
Acosta responded to the exchange with President Trump following the press conference.
Acosta and Trump have a history of heated exchanges.
