After a heated argument ensued between CNN journalist Jim Acosta and United States President Donald Trump, the White House has suspended Acosta’s press pass for an unspecified duration.
Here is the exchange
BREAKING: President Trump, CNN Correspondent Jim Acosta and @NBCNews Correspondent @PeterAlexander engage in tense exchanges in post-election news conference. pic.twitter.com/WUlXemGn7y
— NBC News (@NBCNews) November 7, 2018
The announcement was made by White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders, who took to Twitter to express displeasure over Acosta’s ‘unacceptable’ conduct.
“President Trump believes in a free press and expects and welcomes tough questions of him and his Administration. We will, however, never tolerate a reporter placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern. This conduct is absolutely unacceptable. It is also completely disrespectful to the reporter’s colleagues not to allow them an opportunity to ask a question. President Trump has given the press more access than any President in history,” she said.
Acosta, however, called out to Sanders and claimed that she was lying about the incident.
In addition to this, CNN posted a video of the presser during which the altercation took place, and ensured complete support to Acosta.
“The White House announced tonight (Wednesday) that it has revoked the press pass of CNN’s Chief White House Correspondent Jim Acosta. It was done in retaliation for his challenging questions at today’s press conference. In an explanation, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders lied. She provided fraudulent accusations and cited an incident that never happened. This unprecedented decision is a threat to our democracy and the country deserves better. Jim Acosta has our full support,” read the statement.
In response to the American broadcaster’s statement, Sanders said “The fact that CNN is proud of the way their employee behaved is not only disgusting, it’s an example of their outrageous disregard for everyone, including young women, who work in this Administration.”
A number of journalists have called out to Sanders for allegedly misrepresenting the situation and revoking Acosta’s press card.
“I was seated next to @Acosta at today’s press conference and did not witness him “placing his hands” on the young intern, as the White House alleges. He held on to the microphone as she reached for it. The @Reuters pictures below depict what happened accurately,” read a tweet posted by a journalist who was present at the press conference.
I was seated next to @Acosta at today’s press conference and did not witness him “placing his hands” on the young intern, as the White House alleges. He held on to the microphone as she reached for it. The @Reuters pictures below depict what happened accurately. pic.twitter.com/nO68Hf4eQM
— Jeff Mason (@jeffmason1) November 8, 2018
“Acosta retains mic after Trump refuses to say why he called caravan of (unarmed) migrants an “invasion.” Acosta tries to ask another – which Trump allowed previous questioners – and is insulted. Acosta politely says, ‘pardon me ma’am’ as interim grabs for mic. No ‘hands’ on her,” another journalist tweeted.
Acosta retains mic after Trump refuses to say why he called caravan of (unarmed) migrants an “invasion.” Acosta tries to ask another – which Trump allowed previous questioners – and is insulted. Acosta politely says, ‘pardon me ma’am’ as interim grabs for mic. No “hands” on her. https://t.co/zY2kL0J3gt
— Jonathan Landay (@JonathanLanday) November 8, 2018
The argument began after Trump refused to answer a follow-up question from Acosta, who repeatedly tried to ask the US President about Russian investigation. The US President then demanded a White House aide to remove the reporter’s microphone, as the journalist persisted in his attempt to ask the question to Trump.
“On the Russia investigation, are you concerned that you may…?” Acosta asked before Trump interrupted him and said, “I am not concerned about anything with the Russia investigation because it is a hoax.”
The US President also backed down from the lectern for a few seconds. After returning, Trump told the reporter, “CNN should be ashamed of itself having you working for them. You should not be working for CNN. You are a rude and terrible person.”
Here’s is a video of Secret Service asking for Jim Acosta’s pass.
The US Secret Service just asked for my credential to enter the WH. As I told the officer, I don’t blame him. I know he’s just doing his job. (Sorry this video is not rightside up) pic.twitter.com/juQeuj3B9R
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) November 8, 2018