CNN’s infamous anti-Trump anchor Jim Acosta is reportedly leaving the network after being pulled from the morning schedule—a move that has drawn attention across the media landscape. Acosta, known for his heated exchanges with President Trump during his first term, seems to be the latest casualty in CNN’s ongoing restructuring under new leadership.
Acosta’s Exit and CNN’s Shift
Reports suggest that Acosta privately informed associates of his plans to leave after CNN’s CEO, Mark Thompson, removed him from his 10 a.m. slot, which previously enjoyed strong ratings. The network had proposed moving Acosta’s show to a late-night time slot, airing from midnight to 2 a.m. ET—a significant downgrade from his current position in more traditional viewing hours.
Acosta’s program is being replaced by an expanded version of The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown, signaling CNN’s broader attempt to revamp its programming and appeal to a wider audience. The shakeup comes amid a 6% workforce reduction at CNN, part of a larger effort to move away from the overtly liberal stance the network adopted during Trump’s first term.
The Rise and Fall of Acosta
Acosta became a household name during Trump’s first presidency for his combative style and relentless criticism of the administration. His infamous sparring sessions with Trump—including the 2018 press conference where the White House tried to revoke his press pass—solidified his reputation as a liberal firebrand. Trump frequently called Acosta “a rude, terrible person” and labeled CNN “fake news,” further cementing their public feud.
While some insiders claim Acosta could have revitalized CNN’s late-night lineup, others suggest his departure is a sign of the times. The media environment has changed dramatically since 2017, with legacy networks like CNN struggling to regain their footing as alternative media and independent voices gain prominence.
Social Media Reacts
Conservative voices were quick to celebrate Acosta’s exit. Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk wrote, “Notorious liberal scold and anti-Trump legacy news personality Jim Acosta is out at CNN. The media landscape is unrecognizable from the beginning of Trump’s first term in 2017, and that’s a very good thing for America.”
As CNN attempts to reinvent itself in the face of declining viewership and trust, Acosta’s departure feels like the end of an era. Whether this marks a meaningful shift for the network remains to be seen, but for conservatives, it’s another victory in the ongoing culture war against biased media.
