Jim Acosta, once a prominent face of CNN and a staunch critic of former President Donald Trump, is reportedly on the brink of leaving the network after a significant shake-up in programming. Acosta, who rose to fame during heated exchanges with Trump during the latter’s first term, is said to be considering quitting following a demotion that has left his career in limbo.
Acosta’s Demotion: From Primetime to Midnight
The major shake-up at CNN, led by CEO Mark Thompson, resulted in the cancellation of Acosta’s weekday 10 a.m. program, CNN Newsroom, after 17 months on air. In a move seen as a dramatic step back for the veteran journalist, Acosta has been reassigned to a midnight show—a time slot that many consider the “Siberia” of cable news, with minimal viewership and little influence.
Replacing Acosta’s previous time slot will be a new program co-anchored by Pamela Brown and longtime CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer, both of whom also saw standalone shows cut as part of Thompson’s overhaul of the network.
Acosta’s Reaction and Future at CNN
Sources close to the situation suggest that Acosta may not accept his new assignment. According to the Daily Mail, Acosta is seriously considering an exit from the network, with insiders describing his demotion as “shocking” and unfair. One source revealed that Acosta’s “only path forward” at CNN is to accept the midnight-to-2 a.m. time slot—a significant blow for a journalist who once held a prominent position in the ratings race.
The move comes as Thompson attempts to reposition CNN’s coverage during the second term of President Donald Trump. Reports indicate that Thompson held an editorial meeting with CNN’s top talent, including Jake Tapper and Anderson Cooper, where he warned against “pre-judging Trump” based on his past actions or ongoing legal issues.
A Strained Relationship with the White House
Acosta’s history with Trump has been a defining aspect of his career. During Trump’s first term, their clashes became iconic moments in live television. In one memorable instance, Trump criticized CNN for hiring Acosta, saying, “You have the worst record in the history of broadcasting.” Acosta fired back, defending CNN’s commitment to delivering the truth.
Acosta’s aggressive questioning of the Trump administration even led to the suspension of his press pass, which CNN successfully sued to reinstate. However, this combative approach is believed to have contributed to concerns among CNN executives about the network’s relationship with the White House.
Thompson’s decision to demote Acosta may have been influenced by these concerns, with sources suggesting that the CEO is eager to avoid the perception of bias as CNN navigates Trump’s second term.
Relocation to Los Angeles
Adding to the frustration for Acosta is the logistical challenge of his new assignment. The midnight show will require him to relocate from CNN’s Washington, D.C., bureau—a city he has called home for years—to the network’s Los Angeles base.
This move is seen as an inconvenience and further evidence of Acosta’s diminished role within the network. Some insiders view the relocation as a deliberate attempt to sideline the journalist, who has become a polarizing figure both within CNN and among viewers.
Backlash Within CNN
Thompson’s overhaul has not been without controversy. Many CNN reporters have expressed frustration over the network’s recent decisions, including last year’s Trump town hall moderated by Kaitlan Collins. While the event drew strong ratings, it also sparked criticism from within CNN, with staff accusing Thompson of giving Trump a platform to spread falsehoods.
The recent changes, including Acosta’s demotion, have only added to the discontent. Thompson is reportedly “apoplectic” over leaks about his private editorial meetings, signaling internal tensions as the network undergoes significant restructuring.
Legendary Clashes with Trump
Acosta’s career at CNN has been marked by his high-profile confrontations with Trump. During one press briefing, Acosta accused Trump of fabricating a national emergency to fund the border wall. Trump responded by calling Acosta “fake news” and accusing him of having a political agenda.
These exchanges, while controversial, cemented Acosta’s status as a prominent figure in political journalism. However, they also made him a divisive figure, with critics accusing him of prioritizing sensationalism over substance.
Conclusion
Jim Acosta’s reported dissatisfaction with his new role at CNN underscores the shifting dynamics within the network as it adapts to a new political era. His demotion from a weekday program to a midnight slot marks a significant setback for the journalist, whose career has been defined by his willingness to challenge authority.
As CNN navigates these changes under Mark Thompson’s leadership, the future of high-profile personalities like Acosta remains uncertain. Whether he chooses to stay with the network or pursue opportunities elsewhere, one thing is clear: Acosta’s legacy as a combative, headline-grabbing journalist will continue to spark debate in the world of media and politics.