CNN files lawsuit against the Trump administration
WASHINGTON (SBG) - CNN has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, the news outlet said in a press release.
The company claims that by revoking Jim Acosta's White House press credentials, the administration has violated the First Amendment and the right to freedom of the press. They also allege that the Fifth Amendment right to due process was infringed.
CNN is also seeking an immediate restraining order for the return of the press credentials to Acosta.
"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. While the suit is specific to CNN and Acosta, this could have happened to anyone. If left unchallenged, the actions of the White House would create a dangerous chilling effect for any journalist who covers our elected officials."
On Tuesday, the White House released their own statement calling the lawsuit"grandstanding," and they plan to vigorously defend the claims mad against them.
"CNN, who has nearly 50 additional hard pass holders, and Mr. Acosta is no more or less special than any other media outlet or reporter with respect to the First Amendment. After Mr. Acosta asked the President two questions—each of which the President answered—he physically refused to surrender a White House microphone to an intern, so that other reporters might ask their questions. This was not the first time this reporter has inappropriately refused to yield to other reporters," the White House stated. "The White House cannot run an orderly and fair press conference when a reporter acts this way, which is neither appropriate nor professional. The First Amendment is not served when a single reporter, of more than 150 present, attempts to monopolize the floor. If there is no check on this type of behavior it impedes the ability of the President, the White House staff, and members of the media to conduct business,”
Acosta had his press credentials to the White House revoked after a contentious exchange with the president during a news conference in the East Room following the midterm elections. The reporter pressed the president about using the term “invasion” when referring to the central American migrant caravan headed to the U-S Mexico border.
When the president tried to move on from Acosta's follow up question, a White House staffer attempted to remove the microphone from his hands. Acosta continued to press the president for an answer. He eventually handed the microphone to the staffer, and the president moved on to another reporter.
Following the news conference, President Trump called Acosta actions ''unprofessional" and doesn't believe he is "a smart person."
Later that evening, Acosta attempted to gain entry back into the White House grounds for an evening report for CNN. It was at that time one of the officers on post requested that he turn over his badges.
Acosta documented the removal of his credentials on social media.
The lawsuit was filed Tuesday in Washington D.C., District Court.
