Reporters from many news organisations have expressed support to senior CNN correspondent Jim Acosta after the White House revoked his press pass “until further notice” because of the journalist’s combative exchange with President Donald Trump at his post-midterms press conference.
CNN sued Donald Trump’s administration on Tuesday, alleging the White House violated journalist Jim Acosta’s rights under the constitution by revoking his press credentials following a heated exchange with the US president.
“The wrongful revocation of these credentials violates CNN and Acosta’s First Amendment rights of freedom of the press, and their Fifth Amendment rights to due process,” the news network said in a statement announcing the lawsuit.
“We have asked this court for an immediate restraining order requiring the pass be returned to Jim, and will seek permanent relief as part of this process.”
Reporters from many news organisations have expressed support to senior CNN correspondent Jim Acosta after the White House revoked his press pass “until further notice” because of the journalist’s combative exchange with President Donald Trump at his post-midterms press conference.
Meanwhile, CNN said the revocation of Acosta’s pass “was done in retaliation for his challenging questions at today’s press conference…This unprecedented decision is a threat to our democracy and the country deserves better”.
Acosta was stopped by the Secret Service from entering the White House at about 7 pm.
Former president of the White House Correspondents Association, Jeff Mason, refuted the White House accusation that Acosta placed his hand on a female White House intern.