NEW YORK CITY, NY (VINnews) - Jim Acosta, CNN’s well-known anchor and White House correspondent famed for his contentious exchanges with President Donald Trump, is reportedly departing the network after nearly two decades. This move follows Acosta’s demotion to the midnight shift, which many see as indicative of CNN's strategic shift.
Acosta’s tumultuous relationship with Trump was at the forefront of his career during the latter's presidency, often becoming the focal point of heated press conferences. Trump famously told Acosta, “CNN should be ashamed of itself having you working for them. You are a rude, terrible person,” after Acosta persistently questioned him at the White House.
Recently, CNN announced significant scheduling changes, relegated Acosta from his influential morning timeslot to the graveyard shift, which many perceive as a setback. CNN CEO Mark Thompson had reportedly offered Acosta the choice to accept the midnight slot or face uncertainty about his future with the network.
“It takes courage,” said one insider, referring to Acosta's decision to either embrace the new shift or walk away from the network entirely. Inside sources indicated Acosta has hinted to close associates about his willingness to leave CNN rather than sulk on the midnight shift. Another insider remarked, “Many viewers like Jim… if there is anyone who could make the overnight go it's him,” highlighting Acosta's popularity among certain circles at the network.
During his tenure, Acosta served as chief White House correspondent and later became chief domestic correspondent. He gained notoriety through clashes with Trump and was often seen as the primary mouthpiece of opposition to the presidency during its first term.
Analysts believe Acosta’s recent demotion reflects CNN’s current strategy to recalibrate its image as it seeks to regain traction among conservative audiences. The network evidently aims to refill its roster with figures who appeal to Trump supporters, moving away from the confrontational style embodied by Acosta.
For Trump supporters, Acosta’s departure has generated reactions ranging from glee to vindication, with many framing this as resetting media biases seen during Trump’s presidency. Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk stated, “The media landscapes are unrecognizable from the beginning of Trump’s first term, and that's very good for America.”
Former political producers argue Acosta garnered significant attention and ratings by leveraging his combative reputation. “Jim Acosta wants to be famous... he realized if he needled Trump, people would applaud him on Twitter and online,” remarked one former colleague. Coupled with considerable media exposure, his confrontations with Trump have led to book deals and appearances on various platforms.
Despite the applause from certain quarters, Acosta often faced criticism from colleagues within CNN. Some reported growing frustration with what they viewed as Acosta’s self-aggrandizing behavior during press interactions. “Jim is one of the least-liked and most eye-rolled of all the talent at CNN,” one insider noted bluntly, illustrating the mixed feelings about Acosta’s approach within the newsroom.
Nonetheless, Acosta’s impact on media narratives during the Trump presidency is undeniable. He often championed his role by stating, “To shine a light on injustice and hold the powerful accountable, we are not the enemy of the people, we are the defender of the people.” Yet this assertion has also sparked ridicule and memes, particularly during lighter programming slots.
Criticism isn’t new for Acosta, who faced allegations of grandstanding, especially following interactions where he visibly pushed back against Trump and his aides. His exchanges frequently went viral, cementing his public persona as one of the primary opponents of Trump's policy narratives. This visibility only heightened when Trump tried to revoke Acosta's press credentials after one fraught exchange.
Now, as Acosta gears up for what many speculate will be his last days at CNN, the network’s leadership appears to aim for a more palatable and less contentious television presence -- even if it means bidding farewell to one of the faces often associated with resistance against the previous administration.
Whether Acosta decides to accept his future at CNN depends on which path he chooses after this pivotal turn, pointing to broader changes within the channel as it faces intense scrutiny and criticism over biases and programming.