CNN anchor Jim Acosta has announced his departure from the network following discussions about moving his morning show to a late-night slot. The shift was proposed by CNN CEO Mark Thompson amid Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, raising concerns of political implications.
Acosta, who hosted “CNN Newsroom with Jim Acosta” at 10 a.m. Eastern, was offered a new time slot from midnight to 2 a.m. Thompson reportedly suggested the change to target West Coast prime-time viewers and international streaming audiences. However, sources indicate that the move appeared more as a demotion than a strategic decision.
“They want to get rid of Acosta to throw a bone to Trump. Midnight is not a serious offer when his ratings are among the best on the network,” one source told the Status newsletter.
The timing of the proposed change was notable, coinciding with Trump’s return to office. Acosta’s contentious relationship with Trump, both past and present, is well-documented, including the revocation of his White House press pass in 2018. During that incident, Trump criticized Acosta as an aide tried to take the microphone from him.
“CNN should be ashamed of itself having you work for them. You are a rude, terrible person. You shouldn’t be working for CNN,” Trump told him at the time.
Their adversarial interactions continued during Trump’s first term. In a 2020 press conference, Acosta questioned the president’s honesty, leading Trump to say, “Let me tell you about your record. Your record is so bad you ought to be ashamed of yourself. You have the worst record in the history of broadcasting.”
Acosta also questioned Trump on his border wall policy, asking whether he was creating a national emergency to justify its construction. Trump replied, “Your question is a very political question because you have an agenda. You’re CNN. You’re fake news.”
Insiders at CNN described Acosta as caught off guard by the network’s proposal. “He was not under the impression that his show was in danger of being chopped,” one insider said. Another praised his decision to leave, stating, “It takes courage.”
The Status newsletter initially reported on January 27 that Acosta intended to exit CNN. He confirmed his decision during his final broadcast on January 28, ending nearly two decades with the network. During his tenure, he rose to chief domestic correspondent and hosted his morning show for almost a year.
In a symbolic moment before his departure, Acosta displayed a bright pink sign given by a CNN viewer, reading, “I march for Jim Acosta and a free press,” reflecting his advocacy for journalistic integrity. In the same segment, he stated, “Journalists exist to seek the truth, to tell people stories, to lift up voices that may not be heard otherwise. To shine a light on injustice and hold the powerful accountable. We are not the enemy of the people—we are the defender of the people.”
The programming changes are part of a broader restructuring by Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN’s parent company. The plans involve a $70 million investment in expanding digital content and launching new lifestyle and health-related platforms. Cost-saving measures may involve moving additional production staff to CNN’s Atlanta, Georgia headquarters.
After leaving CNN in January 2025, Acosta launched “The Jim Acosta Show” on Substack, allowing him to continue his work independently, focusing on politics and current events.
