Jim Acosta to exit CNN following abrupt removal from network's programming schedule

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: CNN’s outspoken anchor and former chief White House correspondent Jim Acosta is reportedly saying goodbye to the network after being taken off its programming lineup.

The stunning update came on Monday, January 27 via The Status newsletter — which revealed Acosta’s exit seemed inevitable after his 10 am ET show got booted in favor of 'The Situation Room' with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown.

The midnight snub that sparked Jim Acosta's exit

Behind the scenes, things seem to have gotten a little messy. CNN’s CEO Mark Thompson apparently pitched Jim Acosta a midnight slot. This would’ve stretched Acosta’s airtime to two hours, but at a time of day when most of us are either fast asleep or doom-scrolling in bed.

For someone who had a solid morning show gig, it’s no wonder Acosta wasn’t thrilled about the offer. An insider dished to Fox News that Acosta “struggled with the choice” and hinted that he may be cutting his contract short over the downgrade. "It takes courage," the source said.

Another CNN insider added, “Many viewers like Jim… if there is anyone who could make the overnight go, it’s him. It’s sad to see him go."

Jim Acosta: Donald Trump’s thorn to CNN star

Love him or hate him, Jim Acosta has been a household name since his tenure as CNN’s chief White House correspondent during Donald Trump’s first presidency. Acosta practically made sparring with Trump and his administration his full-time job.

From shouting pointed questions at Trump to clashing with White House press secretaries, Acosta became famous for his bold—some might say combative—approach to journalism.

One unforgettable moment was a heated 2018 press conference where Acosta refused to let go of the mic, leading to a contentious back-and-forth with Trump.

The White House even tried to revoke his press pass, but CNN fought back citing violations of Acosta’s First and Fifth Amendment rights. The courts sided with Acosta, and his press credentials were reinstated.

But Acosta’s not-so-subtle feud with the Trump administration wasn’t just great TV. It was lucrative as well. He landed a book deal, became a darling of liberal late-night shows, and found himself basking in the limelight, all of which helped him score that anchor chair when Biden took office.

Acosta’s unique style did make him a polarizing figure. While past CNN leadership seemed to love the drama he brought to their programming, the current regime is apparently singing a different tune. With CNN trying to rebrand itself as a more neutral news outlet, it seems Acosta’s approach didn’t align with the new direction.

Since joining CNN in 2007, Acosta has had a storied career — covering everything from political campaigns to the Obama and Trump presidencies. But his sharp-edged reporting and penchant for grandstanding may have been perceived as divisive, according to Fox News.

Social media mocks Jim Acosta following his CNN exit

News of Jim Acosta’s departure sparked some serious schadenfreude among his detractors on social media.

"CNN firing Acosta is proof that the public no longer tolerates misinformation masquerading as journalism," one posted on X.

"Aww. I guess midnight was too late. That's what happens when no one is watching you anymore, @Acosta," another wrote.

"Good riddance! Jim Acosta is a mockery of new media and a disgrace to journalism. His presence will not be missed. America first!" a user added.

"Hate to dance on the man’s grave, but what a horrible POS. I’ve been waiting for this day, couldn’t have happened to a bigger jack wagon," someone else chimed in.

"It is always good to see the trash heading out the door and into the garbage truck. I love to see the effect Trump is having and the rights of the majority being respected," another gushed.

One individual said, "Acosta, the weasel, has lost his star power; his loose communist puppet lips did him. He had no dignity. He can retire now with the millions they put in his bank account."

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