The ongoing feud between Donald Trump and the media just rose another level!
CNN filed suit on Tuesday to reverse the Trump administration’s decision last week to suspend the White House press pass of Chief White House Correspondent Jim Acosta, thereby leaving him without access to the building for his journalism duties.
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In a statement put out to other members of the media, CNN wrote this about the lawsuit:
“CNN filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in D.C. 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 to 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 elected officials.”
Amen to that last part, in particular!!
The White House responded to the lawsuit, too, though, with Sarah Huckabee Sanders reading a prepared statement about it (below):
“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 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.”
Hmm…
Where do you fall on this one, Perezcious readers?! Let us know your opinions about the White House’s actions against Acosta in the comments (below)…
[Image via WENN.]
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