The White House has since released a statement.
Roughly a week ago, a press conference in the White House took place, which resulted in CNN journalist Jim Acosta being banned.
During the press conference, Donald Trump referred to Acosta as a “terrible person”, saying: “CNN should be ashamed of themselves having you working for them. You are a rude, terrible person, and you shouldn’t be working for CNN.”
Another journalist stood up for the victim of this verbal attack, and claimed he was a diligent reporter, to which Trump replied: “Well I’m not a big fan of yours either.”
Acosta was then banned from the White House as a result.
Since then, it has been revealed that CNN are suing President Trump, and a number of White House aides.
They released a statement which read: “CNN filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration this morning in DC 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 be returned to Jim, and will seek permanent relief as part of this process.”
According to The Guardian, the White House has since responded in a statement defending their decision, saying:
“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.
“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.”
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