Conservatives love this news.
CNN journalist Jim Acosta revealed on Tuesday that he would be leaving the network, sending a message that echoed his long-standing rhetoric against former President Donald Trump. In his farewell statement, Acosta urged viewers not to “give into the lies” and to resist tyrants, delivering a clear shot at Trump as he made his exit from CNN after nearly 18 years.
“You may have heard rumors about me and this show. After careful thought and consideration, and weighing an offer for a new timeslot at CNN, I’ve made the decision to move on,” Acosta stated. “I want to thank CNN for almost two decades of opportunities and experiences. People often ask if my time covering President Trump was the highlight of my career here. But honestly, the moment I remember most fondly was covering President Obama’s trip to Cuba in 2016, questioning dictator Raul Castro,” Acosta explained, showcasing his personal connection to the story as the son of a Cuban refugee.
Acosta, who had become a well-known critic of Trump during his presidency, used the moment to reflect on the importance of standing up to oppressive leaders, delivering a pointed message to his audience: “It’s never a good time to bow down to a tyrant.” He reiterated that it is the duty of the press to hold power accountable, a principle he vowed to continue championing in the future. He also encouraged his viewers to “hold onto the truth” and to not let fear dictate their actions.
His departure follows days of speculation after CNN reshuffled its programming schedule, leaving Acosta off the roster and replacing his 10 a.m. show with “The Situation Room” in a significant move. It was later revealed that CNN had offered Acosta a midnight show, which many considered a downgrade, prompting Acosta to walk away instead.
Acosta’s legacy at CNN has been controversial, with many on the right accusing him of using his position to grandstand and push a left-leaning agenda. He became a prominent figure during the Trump administration, often clashing with the president and his press secretaries. His famous showdown with Trump at a 2018 press conference, where he refused to yield the microphone to a White House aide, is just one example of his combative style. His relationship with Trump was characterized by mutual disdain, with Trump frequently labeling Acosta’s reports as “fake news.”
Acosta’s exit marks the end of a chapter for CNN, as the network tries to navigate its future without one of its most outspoken personalities. While CNN praised his “distinguished career,” insiders revealed that the network was growing frustrated with Acosta’s constant clashes with Trump and other conservative figures. In fact, CNN reportedly pushed Acosta toward a late-night slot, a move many interpreted as an effort to phase him out.
As Acosta leaves CNN, his future remains uncertain. While he didn’t provide specifics about his next career move, he hinted that more details would come in the following days. For now, the media landscape looks set to lose one of its most polarizing figures, leaving both supporters and critics to wonder what’s next for the former White House correspondent. Meanwhile, former President Trump was quick to offer his take, mocking Acosta’s departure on Truth Social, calling him “one of the most terrible and dishonest reporters in America’s history.”
For many conservatives, Acosta’s departure is seen as a victory, signaling the end of a media era that often seemed more interested in fueling political division than delivering fair and balanced reporting.