Rep Tim Burchett slams Jim Acosta for attacking Trump, claims CNN is losing viewers to 'Spongebob reruns'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: CNN anchor Jim Acosta and Rep Tim Burchett (R-TN) clashed on Wednesday, January 22, in an intense debate over President Donald Trump’s pardons for January 6 rioters.

However, it was Burchett's biting remark about CNN that took center stage, leaving Acosta visibly taken aback. The heated exchange started when Acosta pressed Burchett on whether he supported Trump’s decision to grant clemency to nearly 1,600 individuals convicted in connection with the violent Capitol riots on January 6, 2021.

Tim Burchett dodges Jim Acosta’s questions on Trump pardons

As Acosta grilled Burchett, the congressman dodged direct answers, instead turning the conversation to a broader attack on CNN’s credibility.

"Do you defend what Donald Trump did, releasing these people from prison, pardoning them, commuting their sentences? Yes or no?” Acosta asked.

“If they were truly violent, no. But do I know that they were? I don’t know that,” Burchett responded, prompting Acosta to retort: “What do you mean you don’t know?! We’re showing the footage on the air right now. You were there that day!”

“This is not Fox, Congressman. You can‘t just spin a tale and pull the wool over people‘s eyes. This is CNN. This is the news. We are asking you to come on and tell the truth,” Acosta went on to say.

Amidst the tense exchange, Burchett slammed CNN with an unexpected jab. “And that’s why more people are watching the Cartoon Network and Spongebob reruns right now, Jim,” Burchett sneered.

Throughout the interview, Acosta pressed Burchett on whether he believed the pardons for violent January 6 participants sent the wrong message to law enforcement.

Burchett, however, remained steadfast in his refusal to directly condemn the pardons, instead doubling down on claims that Republicans had "backed the blue" throughout the past several years.

Acosta, not backing down, fired back with his own critique: “You’re engaging in a game of whataboutism. People were obviously prosecuted." “Well, what about what you do at CNN every day!” Burchett remarked.

“What are you talking about what we do at CNN every day?!” Acosta shot back. “We didn’t storm the Capitol. These people did! And President Trump let them out of jail! Why not just say: ‘You were wrong, Mr. President?’ Why can’t you say it?”

The exchange ended with Burchett continuing to deflect, throwing further barbs at CNN for what he referred to as biased reporting. Despite the insults, Acosta maintained his composure, challenging Burchett’s reluctance to condemn Trump’s actions.

Internet criticizes Jim Acosta for combative tone

Internet users quickly slammed Acosta for his combative tone and inability to get direct answers from Burchett, criticizing his handling of the interview.

A user said, "@Acosta is finished. No credibility left, no one watching, no one cares"

Another added, "@Acosta This four years your lies are going to be called out! You just heard the truth…"

Third commentator remarked, "CNN hasn’t been the news for some time now"

"Acosta is the tool that just keep on giving. Glad Tim put him in his place," said a critic.

A person said, "Keep up the gaslighting and lies, @CNN will go the way of the dodo bird and Blockbuster"

Other chimed in, "Jim Acosta still trying to hold the journalistic integrity line is the funniest thing I've heard all day."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online