Former CNN anchor Jim Acosta’s recent departure from the network has reignited his longstanding feud with former President Donald Trump. Following Acosta’s announcement of his exit on air, Trump took to the conservative platform Truth Social to criticize the journalist. In a lengthy post, Trump labeled Acosta as “one of the worst and most dishonest reporters in journalistic history,” expressing delight over what he described as Acosta being demoted to the midnight time slot due to “LOW RATINGS (and no talent!).”
Acosta, who has been a vocal critic of Trump throughout his presidency, quickly responded on X, humorously suggesting that Trump might be suffering from “ADS: Acosta Derangement Syndrome,” a twist on the term Trump has used to describe those he claims are irrationally opposed to him. Acosta’s tenure at CNN spanned nearly two decades, beginning in 2007, and he gained notoriety for his confrontational exchanges with Trump during the president’s first term, culminating in a controversial incident where Trump revoked Acosta’s press pass.
During his farewell on CNN, Acosta reflected on his career, citing a trip to Cuba where he confronted the island’s leadership as one of the highlights of his reporting. He emphasized the importance of holding power accountable and cautioned against succumbing to fear or falsehoods, urging viewers to “hold onto the truth – and to hope.”
Acosta’s exit comes amid significant shifts at CNN, where the network has adjusted its programming lineup, moving several high-profile hosts to different time slots as part of a broader restructuring amid job cuts. Following his departure, CNN released a statement acknowledging Acosta’s contributions and commitment to journalism over his long career.
Looking ahead, Acosta has hinted at future plans, sharing that he will be launching his own column on Substack, mirroring the career move of former colleagues, indicating his intention to continue engaging with audiences and sharing his insights outside the traditional media framework.
In summary, Jim Acosta’s exit from CNN underscores ongoing tensions between him and Trump, revealing the complexities of modern journalism in an era marked by polarized opinions and a changing media landscape. As Acosta embarks on this new chapter, it presents an opportunity for him to explore new avenues for expression and connection with his audience. This situation highlights not just the personal dynamics between individuals but also broader themes around media integrity and the role of journalism in society.