Cable News Network (CNN) has filed a lawsuit against the United States Government over the revocation of press credentials for White House Correspondent, Jim Acosta.
Acosta’s questions and reporting has been a frequent target of criticism by President Donald Trump.
“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,’’ CNN said in a statement.
President Donald Trump has steadily intensified his criticism of the media, with CNN as a major focus.
A recent news conference saw Trump in a fit of anger when Acosta questioned him about the so-called migrant caravan travelling through Mexico and about an ongoing investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.
“That’s enough, that’s enough,” Trump said on Nov. 7, as a White House intern attempted to take the microphone off Acosta. “You are a rude, terrible person.”
The White House suspended his credentials later that day, with press secretary Sarah Sanders accusing Acosta of putting his hands on the intern, who was trying to take the microphone from him. She described his behavior as “absolutely unacceptable.”
Video of the encounter showed Acosta pulling back as the intern moved to take the microphone.
He however denied the White House accusations.
“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,” CNN said.