UNITED STATES—The White House has responded to a lawsuit filed by CNN on the basis of the First Amendment rights of CNN Reporter, Jim Acosta which were suppressed. White House Press Secretary, Sarah Sanders issued the following statement in response to the lawsuit filed:
“We have been advised that CNN has filed a complaint challenging the suspension of Jim Acosta’s hard pass. This is just more grandstanding from CNN, and we will vigorously defend against this lawsuit.
The First Amendment is not served when a single reporter, of more than 150 [reporters] present, attempts to monopolize the floor. If there is no check on this type behavior it impedes the ability of the President, the White House staff, and the media to conduct business.”
Acosta had his hard pass revoked after interrupting President Donald Trump several times during a press conference after the midterm elections on November 7. He was asking questions about the migrant caravan and Russia. Acosta refused to hand over the microphone to the White House aide after President Trump informed him “That’s enough.”
President Trump responded to Acosta stating, “Honestly, I think you should let me run the country…That’s enough. Put down the mic.” A White House aide walked over to Acosta and attempted to take the microphone from him. Acosta held firm to the mic and it is alleged that he pushed the aides hand down.
“CNN should be ashamed of itself for having you work for them. You are a terrible person. You shouldn’t be working for CNN.”
CNN has over 50 other reporters that are in possession of a hard pass at The White House.
