Last week, President-elect Donald Trump singled out CNN reporter Jim Acosta during the first press conference of the year and denied him the opportunity to ask a question, saying “you are fake news.”
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ICYMI: President-elect Trump and CNN's Jim Acosta face off in press conference; Mr. Trump calls CNN 'fake news' pic.twitter.com/ARK3Owskvq
— FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) January 12, 2017
Acosta said that he was then told by Trump’s choice for White House press secretary, Sean Spicer, he would be kicked out of the press conference if he did that again.
.@seanspicer: It is unacceptable for anyone to address any President the way Acosta did. It doesn't represent the press corps respectfully. pic.twitter.com/PSwe5x8qJf
— FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) January 12, 2017
Today, CNN has released a statement in full support of its reporter in response to Spicer’s demand of an apology for Acosta’s “inappropriate and disrespectful” behavior.
As we have learned many times, just because Sean Spicer says something doesn’t make it true. Jim Acosta is a veteran reporter with the utmost integrity and extensive experience in covering both the White House and the President-elect. Being persistent and asking tough questions is his job, and he has our complete support.
RELATED: Joy Behar reacted to Trump’s showdown with CNN by comparing him to Hitler’s mouthpiece
Acosta, for his part, has said, “I’m going to do the news. We’re going to keep doing the news.”
CNN’s Jim @Acosta on covering the Trump presidency: “I’m going to do the news. We’re going to keep doing the news.” https://t.co/hsh2W9L5FC pic.twitter.com/kbik0g8wNG
— CNN (@CNN) January 12, 2017