The presenter of CNN Jim Acosta, known for his controversial exchanges with former President Donald Trump during his mandate as a correspondent of the White House of the Network, has chosen to leave CNN instead of accepting a reallocation to a night program.
Acosta announced his decision on Tuesday after his morning transmission, urging viewers: “Do not give to lies. Do not give up fear. “Although he did not explicitly refer to Trump, the involvement was unmistakable. CNN said that his choice to reallocate Acosta to a midnight space was not related to political considerations.
Shortly before Acosta's statement, Trump reacted to speculation about the journalist's departure, celebrating the news on social networks. “Jim is a great loser that will fail no matter where he ends,” published the former president in Truth Social.
CNN had revealed the restructuring of its programming alignment last week, coinciding with Trump's first week in office. The changes included the displacement of wolf to the east slot of the 10 am of Acosta, next to Pamela Brown.
Acosta was offered a move to Los Angeles to organize a midnight show, which would be broadcast at 9 pm of the Pacific hour and would be transmitted simultaneously in CNN International. However, he rejected the offer.
Reflecting on your career
Acosta addressed speculation about whether to cover Trump's presidency was the pinnacle of his career, responding that his most significant moment was to cover the visit of former President Barack Obama to Cuba. He remembered questioning Cuban leader Raúl Castro about political prisoners.
“As the son of a Cuban refugee, I took home the lesson (which) is never a good time to bow before a tyrant,” said Acosta.
“I have always believed that it is the press of the press to maintain the power to give an account. I have always tried to do that at CNN and plan to continue doing it in the future. “
He concluded with a final message to his audience: “Do not give in to lies. Do not give up fear. Cling to the truth. And to hope. “
CNN recognized Acosta's contributions in a statement: “Jim has had a long, distinguished career of almost 20 years in CNN, with a history of defending authority, for the first amendment and our journalistic freedoms. We want to thank you for the dedication and commitment that you have brought to your reports and we want the best in the future. “
Acosta and Trump faced frequently during the former president's first mandate, which culminated in the White House that temporarily revoked Acosta's press credentials in 2018.
The measure occurred after Acosta persisted in questioning Trump during a press conference, despite the president's command: “That is enough!” An assistant tried to take Acosta's microphone, but resisted.
(AP)