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President Donald Trump broke his silence after rival CNN anchor Jim Acosta announced his departure from the network on Tuesday (January 28).
"Wow, really good news! Jim Acosta, one of the worst and most dishonest reporters in journalistic history, a major sleazebag, has been relegated by CNN Fake News to the Midnight hour, 'Death Valley' because of extraordinarily BAD RATINGS (and no talent!)," Trump wrote on his Truth Social account. "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!"
Acosta, who famously pushed back at Trump while serving as CNN's chief White House correspondent during his first administration after the president's constant discrediting of the network as "fake news," specifically mentioned Trump during his sign-off.
“Don’t give into the lies, don’t give in to the fear hold on to the truth and to hope,” Acosta said while eventually referring to Trump as a "tyrant."
Former CNN media analyst Oliver Darcy previously reported Acosta's plans in his Status newsletter published on Monday (January 27). Acosta's 10:00 a.m. slot was replaced by The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown amid a massive shakeup at the cable news network.
The veteran reporter's role was undetermined at the time and ensuing reports indicated that he was asked to take an overnight shift days ahead of Trump's inauguration. Acosta reportedly "struggled with the choice" before deciding on departing from CNN, an insider confirmed to FOX News.
A separate insider told FOX News that CNN was disappointed with Acosta's reported resignation, believing he would be an asset to its very late-night news content.
“Many viewers like Jim… if there is anyone who could make the overnight go it’s him. It’s sad to see him go,” the insider said.
Acosta and Trump were involved in a heated back-and-forth exchange in 2018, which included the White House attempting to take away Acosta's press pass, but CNN successfully argued that doing so would violate the First and Fifth Amendments. Acosta transitioned to chief domestic correspondent after the 2020 election. CNN had previously lost veteran anchor Chris Wallace in late 2024.