CNN anchor Jim Acosta confirmed his departure from the network after discussions regarding the potential shift of his morning show to a late-night schedule. The proposed change, suggested by CNN CEO Mark Thompson, coincided with Donald Trump’s return to the White House, raising political implications.
Acosta, who hosted “CNN Newsroom with Jim Acosta” at 10 a.m., was offered a new time slot from midnight to 2 a.m. Thompson pitched this as a strategy to capture West Coast prime-time viewers and international streaming audiences. However, sources suggest it felt more like a demotion rather than a strategic adjustment.
“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,” a source told the Status newsletter.
The timing of this proposed change has drawn attention, aligning with Trump’s return to office. Acosta’s contentious relationship with Trump, dating back to the revocation of his White House press pass in 2018, is well-documented. During a heated exchange, 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 conflict continued during Trump’s first presidency. In a 2020 press conference, Acosta questioned Trump’s honesty, to which Trump replied, “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 about his border wall policy, asking if he was creating a national emergency to push for its construction. Trump responded, “Your question is a very political question because you have an agenda. You’re CNN. You’re fake news.”
Within CNN, staff described Acosta as caught off guard by the network’s suggestion. “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 first reported on January 27 that Acosta planned to leave CNN. He confirmed his decision during his final broadcast on Tuesday, January 28, concluding his nearly 20-year career at the network. Over that period, he served as chief domestic correspondent and hosted his morning show for almost a year.
Before his departure, Acosta held up a bright pink sign during a live segment that read, “I march for Jim Acosta and a free press.” This sign, given by a CNN viewer, echoed his advocacy for journalistic integrity. In that 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.”
These programming changes are part of a broader restructuring led by Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN’s parent company. Plans include a $70 million investment in expanding digital content and launching new lifestyle and health-related properties. Cost-cutting 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, an independent publishing platform. This move allows him to continue his journalistic work independently, focusing on politics and current events.
