Washington, DC – CNN correspondent Jim Acosta’s White House credentials have been yanked by the Trump administration.
The reporter asked Trump some hard questions that seemed to discomfort Trump.
The press conference was held after the election which saw the Democrats seize control of the House of Representatives from Republicans.
While Acosta was still engaged with Trump, a female intern stood up and tried to grab the microphone from Acosta’s hand.
Acosta, his attention riveted on Trump, continued his questions and turned the intern away saying “pardon me madam..I’m just….”
As this was going on Trump kept saying “that’s enough, that’s enough” as he tried to move past Acosta on to other reporters.
“President Trump believes in a free press and expects and welcomes tough questions of him and his Administration,” press secretary Sarah Sanders claimed in a statement on behalf of Trump who has repeatedly described media as enemies of the people.
“We will, however, never tolerate a reporter placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern. This conduct is absolutely unacceptable.
“lt is also completely disrespectful to the reporter’scolleagues not to allow them an opportunity to ask a question. President Trump has given the press more access than any President in history.
“Contrary to CNN’s assertions, there is no greater demonstration of the President’s support for a free press than the event he held today.
“Only they would attack the President for not being supportive of a free press in the midst of him taking 68 questions from 35 different reporters over the course of an hour and a half- including several from the reporter in question.”
Sanders continued: “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.”
“As a result of today’s incident, the White House is suspending the hard pass of the reporter involved until further notice.”
I’ve just been denied entrance to the WH. Secret Service just informed me I cannot enter the WH grounds for my 8pm hit
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) November 8, 2018
CNN issued a statement denouncing the White House attempt to silence the media.
CNN said the accusation against Acosta was fabricated and the organization stood behind their reporter.
It described the move by the White House as a threat to democracy.
Other media members and thousands on Twitter have supported Acosta.
Here is a video of the interaction for the world to see: pic.twitter.com/us8u5TWzDz
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) November 8, 2018
