
He said he’s damned by the press for having either too few, too many or just the right amount of press availabilities. Trump made several references in his news conference to how he feels mistreated by the press. In announcing Acosta’s suspension, Sanders said, “The fact that CNN is proud of the way their employee behaved is not only disgusting, it is an example of their outrageous disregard for everyone, including young women, who work in this administration.”
#Trump press conference jim acosta free
A free press is vital to democracy, and we stand behind Jim Acosta and his fellow journalists everywhere.” “While President Trump has made it clear he does not respect a free press, he has a sworn obligation to protect it. “They are not only dangerous, they are disturbingly un-American,” CNN said. “When you report fake news, which CNN does a lot, you are the enemy of the people.”Īfter the exchange, CNN, through its public relations department’s Twitter feed, said Trump’s attacks on the press have gone too far. Acosta stood back up and began mentioning, without a microphone, the explosive devices that were recently sent to CNN and some of the president’s political opponents. “I understand,” Alexander said, attempting to ask a question. “I’m not a big fan of yours, either,” Trump replied.

“He’s a diligent reporter who busts his butt like the rest of us.” “I’ve traveled with him and watched him,” Alexander said. You shouldn’t treat people that way.”Īlexander came to his colleague’s defense. The way you treat other people is horrible. The way you treat Sarah Sanders is horrible. “CNN should be ashamed of itself having you work for them,” the president said to Acosta. “You run CNN and if you did it well, your ratings would be much better.”Īfter Acosta asked about the investigation of Russia’s involvement in the 2016 election, Trump tried to turn to Alexander, but Acosta continued to ask questions. “You should let me run the country,” Trump said. Acosta questioned Trump’s reference to the caravan as an invasion, and Trump defended the term. “I came in here as a nice person wanting to answer questions, and I had people jumping out of their seats screaming questions at me,” said Trump, who talked for nearly 90 minutes despite the run-ins with reporters.Īcosta asked Trump why the caravan of migrants was emphasized as an issue in the just-concluded midterm races. His exchanges with CNN’s Acosta and NBC News’ Peter Alexander turned bitterly personal, unusual even for a forum where the nature of their jobs often put presidents and the press at odds. He said, “I can do something fantastic, and they make it look not good.” The president complained that the media did not cover the humming economy and was responsible for much of the country’s divided politics.

White House staff decide whether journalists are eligible, though the Secret Service determines whether their applications are approved.

Journalists assigned to cover the White House apply for passes that allow them daily access to press areas in the West Wing. “Pardon me, ma’am,” he told her.Īcosta tweeted that Sanders’ statement that he put his hands on the aide was “a lie.” The interaction between Acosta and the intern was brief, and Acosta appeared to brush her arm as she reached for the microphone and he tried to hold onto it. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders released a statement accusing Acosta of “placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern,” calling it “absolutely unacceptable.” When Acosta tried to follow up with another question, Trump said, “That’s enough!” and a female White House aide unsuccessfully tried to grab the microphone from Acosta.

They began sparring after Acosta asked Trump about the caravan of migrants heading from Latin America to the southern U.S. NEW YORK - The White House on Wednesday suspended the press pass of CNN correspondent Jim Acosta after he and President Donald Trump had a heated confrontation during a news conference. Digital Replica Edition Home Page Close Menu
