Jim Acosta will see justice
CNN is suing president of the United States Donald Trump over his treatment of reporter Jim Acosta.
The media company is responding to a White House ban on Acosta following the Midterms press conference, where the two argued extensively.
Acosta is CNN’s chief White House correspondent and the publisher is arguing that revoking his credentials breaches first amendment rights to free speech and fifth amendment rights to due process.
Filed in a Washing DC district court, the lawsuit has CNN and Acosta as the plaintiffs and lists six defendants: Trump, chief of staff John Kelly, press secretary Sarah Sanders, deputy chief of staff for communications Bill Shine, Secret Service director Joseph Clancy, and the Secret Service officer who physically took Acosta’s pass from him.
Sanders defended the decision on Wednesday, saying he had behaved inappropriately at a presidential press conference. On Friday CNN sent a letter threatening legal action if Acosta was not reinstated. Well, today is Tuesday and here we are.
The media company said it is seeking a preliminary injunction to enable Acosta’s immediate return to the White House and a ruling from the court to prevent any future revocation of his credentials.
A CNN statement said: “CNN filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration this morning in DC District Court.
“It demands the return of the White House credentials of CNN’s Chief White House correspondent, Jim Acosta. The wrongful revocation of these credentials violates CNN and Acosta’s First Amendment rights of freedom of the press, and their Fifth Amendment rights to due process.
“We have asked this court for an immediate restraining order requiring the pass be returned to Jim, and will seek permanent relief as part of this process.”
