Controversial CNN anchor Jim Acosta officially exited the cable news Tuesday after nearly 18 years, ending weeks of speculation as the network overhauls its editorial stance in the wake of US president Donald Trump’s election victory.
In what was his last appearance as a CNN news anchor, Acosta delivered a pointed farewell message about “truth, fear, and holding power accountable” — thinly veiled references to long-time adversary Trump — even as the US president called the anchor a “sleaze bag” and a “loser” on social media.
Acosta, who became a polarizing figure for his aggressive questioning of Trump in his first term, used his departure to underscore the role of the press in defending democracy.
Drawing on his heritage as the son of a Cuban refugee, Acosta issued a thinly veiled reference to both Trump and the late Fidel Castro: “It is never a good time to bow down to a tyrant.”
“Freedom of the press is not just important to democracy. It is democracy,” he added, quoting legendary news anchor Walter Cronkite.
While he has not yet announced his next steps, Acosta’s departure marks the end of a fiery chapter in modern political journalism. Observers said his message served as both a parting shot and a rallying cry.
Acosta’s departure followed speculation about his future at CNN after his 10 a.m. ET show was replaced in a programming shakeup. Offered a midnight slot in a move widely seen as a demotion, Acosta ultimately chose to leave.
"Jim is a major loser who will fail no matter where he ends up. Good luck, Jim,”Donald Trump
His adversarial style made him a hero among Trump’s critics and a target of Trump’ s ire. Acosta’s confrontations, including a 2018 press conference where he refused to relinquish a microphone during a heated exchange with Trump, cemented his reputation as a relentless questioner — or alternatively ‘sh*t disturber’ — among MAGA Nation.
While Acosta insisted his mission was to “find the truth,” critics, including Trump, accused him of grandstanding. Trump often referred to Acosta as “fake news.” On Tuesday, he couldn’t resist taking a final jab.
“Wow, really good news! Jim Acosta, a major sleazebag, has been relegated by CNN Fake News to the Midnight hour, ‘Death Valley,’ because of extraordinarily BAD RATINGS (and no talent!). Word is that he wants to QUIT, and that would be even better. Jim is a major loser who will fail no matter where he ends up. Good luck, Jim,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.