Veteran CNN anchor Jim Acosta is reportedly departing the network following a major reshuffling of its programming schedule. Acosta, who first joined CNN in 2007 and became a household name during the Trump presidency, was removed from the network’s lineup last week, according to reports from The Status newsletter.
Acosta’s 10 am ET program has been replaced by The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown, as part of changes implemented by CNN CEO Mark Thompson. The newsletter also reported that Thompson had offered Acosta a two-hour overnight slot starting at midnight, a significant downgrade from his current daytime position.
While CNN has not confirmed the news, insiders suggest that Acosta wrestled with the decision and may be cutting his contract short. “It takes courage,” one insider told Fox News Digital, hinting at Acosta’s difficult choice. Another insider expressed disappointment over his potential departure, saying, “Many viewers like Jim… if there is anyone who could make the overnight go, it’s him. It’s sad to see him go.”
Acosta rose to prominence as CNN’s chief White House correspondent during the Trump administration, where his confrontational exchanges with former President Donald Trump and his aides made headlines. Known for his fiery questioning style, Acosta frequently sparred with Trump, who once called him “fake news,” catapulting the journalist to prominence.
In 2018, Acosta made national news when he refused to relinquish the microphone during a contentious press conference with Trump. The White House later attempted to revoke his press credentials, a move CNN successfully challenged in court, citing violations of the First and Fifth Amendments.
Acosta’s aggressive reporting style earned him both admirers and critics. While his confrontations with the Trump administration led to a book deal and appearances on liberal late-night shows, critics accused him of grandstanding.
After the 2020 election, Acosta transitioned from his White House correspondent role to chief domestic correspondent and later hosted weekend and weekday programs. However, CNN’s new leadership under Thompson appears to be steering the network toward a more neutral approach, a departure from the confrontational tone of its Trump-era programming.
