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CNN sues Trump administration for taking away reporter's credentials

White House correspondent Jim Acosta denied access after latest clash with president

President Donald Trump points to CNN's Jim Acosta on Nov. 7 during a news conference in the White House. The administration later revoked Acosta's access. (Evan Vucci/Associated Press)

CNN is suing the Trump administration, demanding that correspondent Jim Acosta's press credentials to cover the White House be returned.

The administration revoked them last week following U.S. President Donald Trump's contentious news conference, where Acosta refused to give up a microphone when the president said he didn't want to hear anything more from him.

The lawsuit was filed Tuesday in Washington, D.C., District Court. CNN claimed in a statement that taking away Acosta's press pass "violates CNN and Acosta's First Amendment rights of freedom of the press, and the Fifth Amendment rights to due process."

CNN is asking for an immediate restraining order to return Acosta to the White House.

Several journalists and organizations — including the American Society of News Editors, the Associated Press Media Editors and the Online News Association — have demanded Acosta's access be reinstated.

The White House said it would "vigorously defend against this lawsuit," calling it "more grandstanding" by CNN.

A statement released by White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders cited the fact that CNN had 50 other pass holders and noted what it characterized as Acosta's repeated unprofessional and inappropriate behaviour.

'A rude, terrible person'

The White House has been accused of editing a video of Acosta refusing to give up the microphone to an administration aide during the Nov. 7 confrontation. That exchange came after Trump took umbrage at the CNN reporter's question concerning the caravan of migrants heading north through Central America.

"I think you should let me run the country and you run CNN," said Trump, who then called Acosta "a rude, terrible person."

In the aftermath, the White House accused Acosta of grabbing the female aide who attempted to take the microphone, an allegation that is absent from the press secretary's statement on Tuesday.

The lawsuit seems certain to further inflame the relationship between the administration and the network. Acosta and Sanders have sparred verbally during briefings, while Trump has frequently derided critical reports on the network as "fake news," while generally characterizing the press as "the enemy of the people."

CNN Communications
 
@CNNPR
This morning, CNN filed a lawsuit against @realDonaldTrump and top aides. The White House has violated CNN and @Acosta's First Amendment rights of freedom of the press and Fifth Amendment rights to due process. Complaint: https://cnn.it/2OEx8L1 

CNN president Jeff Zucker last month took Trump to task for his rhetoric after the network, as well as those critical of the president, received threatening packages that included apparent pipe bombs.

"There is a total and complete lack of understanding at the White House about the seriousness of their continued attacks on the media," Zucker said in a statement released by CNN on Oct. 24.

"The president, and especially the White House press secretary, should understand their words matter. Thus far, they have shown no comprehension of that."

The reproaches haven't altered Trump's approach. Trump, two days after the Acosta incident, reacted disgustedly to a question from CNN reporter Abby Phillip about his choice for interim attorney general.

"What a stupid question that is," said Trump.

In a joint statement, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and Georgetown Law's Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection said they had submitted an amicus brief supporting CNN's action.

"To be sure, Trump is entitled to dislike Acosta and any other journalist. Many presidents have been angered by searching news coverage," said the statement. "But Trump's revocation of Acosta's credentials is, simply put, extraordinary."

The courts must guard against "government attempts to bully critics into silence," the advocacy groups said.

With files from CBC News

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U.S. Constitution › First Amendment

The First Amendment guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition.  It forbids Congress from both promoting one religion over others and also restricting an individual’s religious practices.  It guarantees freedom of expression by prohibiting Congress from restricting the press or the rights of individuals to speak freely.  It also guarantees the right of citizens to assemble peaceably and to petition their government.   

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Source -- https://www.law.cornell.edu/co...tion/first_amendment

FM

Acosta have no respect for the Presidency of the United States of America. Wherever his parents refugeed from, understandably, why their homeland developed into a mess. Given a free hand, America could be made into Third World country. 

S

Acosta have no respect for the Presidency of the United States of America. Wherever his parents refugeed from, understandably, why their homeland developed into a mess. Given a free hand, America could be made into Third World country. 

S

Since when press access to the president an inalienable right?  The liberals, led by CNN, are out to harass and distract the president from his primary job, work for the American people!!

Baseman
Baseman posted:

Since when press access to the president an inalienable right?  The liberals, led by CNN, are out to harass and distract the president from his primary job, work for the American people!!

It is a right that cannot be arbitrarily taken away. The white house is the Peoples house not the President's house.  The president is not king and the press is a check on any such notions. The president cannot hide from questions or complain about questions but is obliged to answer when asked. The president is not the scolder in chief,  or lier in chief

FM
Last edited by Former Member
D2 posted:
Baseman posted:

Since when press access to the president an inalienable right?  The liberals, led by CNN, are out to harass and distract the president from his primary job, work for the American people!!

It is a right that cannot be arbitrarily taken away. The white house is the Peoples house not the President's house.  The president is not king and the press is a check on any such notions. The president cannot hide from questions or complain about questions but is obliged to answer when asked. The president is not the scolder in chief,  or lier in chief

You must have respect for the president.  He could also decide to hold no briefing and do private interviews.  

CNN is outright hostile to this president.  Chris Cuomo always angry and the other two antimen always crying 😭 !!

Baseman
Baseman posted:
D2 posted:
Baseman posted:

Since when press access to the president an inalienable right?  The liberals, led by CNN, are out to harass and distract the president from his primary job, work for the American people!!

It is a right that cannot be arbitrarily taken away. The white house is the Peoples house not the President's house.  The president is not king and the press is a check on any such notions. The president cannot hide from questions or complain about questions but is obliged to answer when asked. The president is not the scolder in chief,  or lier in chief

You must have respect for the president.  He could also decide to hold no briefing and do private interviews.  

CNN is outright hostile to this president.  Chris Cuomo always angry and the other two antimen always crying 😭 !!

Respect is earned not given. The press is always adversarial. Otherwise why have them.

FM
D2 posted:
Baseman posted:

Since when press access to the president an inalienable right?  The liberals, led by CNN, are out to harass and distract the president from his primary job, work for the American people!!

It is a right that cannot be arbitrarily taken away. The white house is the Peoples house not the President's house.  The president is not king and the press is a check on any such notions. The president cannot hide from questions or complain about questions but is obliged to answer when asked. The president is not the scolder in chief,  or lier in chief

YUh talking about Trump's White House. Anyone, anti-Trump is a visitor to America. Either they immigrate or wear his tagg.

S
Nehru posted:

The man is a DISGRACE to the Constitution, the Country and every decent American!!!!!!!!!!!

White-trash is like dat, and dem gat vengenance on their mind. Looking for another country yet.

Why you chaps doan respect the man's base, he did won the Presidency.

S

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