Veteran journalist Jim Acosta announced his departure from CNN on January 28, 2025, after nearly 18 years with the network. Acosta, known for his confrontations with former President Donald Trump during his first term, revealed his decision during his final broadcast. He emphasized the importance of resisting falsehoods and maintaining hope, stating, “Don’t give in to the lies. Don’t give in to the fear. Hold on to the truth, and to hope.”
The departure follows CNN’s recent programming changes under CEO Mark Thompson. Acosta’s 10 a.m. slot was replaced by “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown,” leading to an offer for Acosta to move to a midnight time slot, which he declined. This shift is part of a broader strategy to revamp the network’s lineup and focus more on digital platforms.
Acosta’s tenure at CNN included serving as chief White House correspondent, where he frequently challenged the Trump administration. His persistent questioning led to a temporary revocation of his press credentials in 2018, which were later reinstated after legal action.
In his farewell address, Acosta reflected on his career, highlighting his 2016 coverage of President Barack Obama’s trip to Cuba, where he questioned then-President Raúl Castro about political prisoners. He remarked, “As the son of a Cuban refugee, I took home this lesson: It is never a good time to bow down to a tyrant.”
CNN acknowledged Acosta’s contributions, stating, “Jim has had a long, distinguished nearly 20-year career at CNN, with a track record of standing up to authority, for the First Amendment and for our journalistic freedoms. We want to thank him for the dedication and commitment he’s brought to his reporting and wish him the very best in the future.”
Acosta has already taken to social media, alerting his followers that he is going to venture out as an independent journalist.
