The sky is falling — well, not really, but almost. Days after the controversy first erupted over prominent CNN journalist Jim Acosta’s access to the White House, and the day after CNN filed suit over that access being revoked, Fox News has now announced its support of Acosta and CNN. To that end, the network will be filing an amicus brief with D.C. District Court, where CNN’s case is being heard.
Fox News President Jay Wallace explained:
‘Secret Service passes for working White House journalists should never be weaponized. While we don’t condone the growing antagonistic tone by both the President and the press at recent media avails, we do support a free press, access and open exchanges for the American people.’
The original controversy erupted the day after the midterm elections, when President Donald Trump called an abrupt press conference to discuss the results. At that public appearance, he trotted out familiar claims about how great he and the Republican Party supposedly are — and he got into a bitter spat with Acosta.
The journalist attempted to ask him about issues including his denunciation of migrants attempting to make their way to the U.S. as an “invasion,” and the president wasn’t having it.
During the back and forth, an intern attempted to take Acosta’s microphone at one point, but he politely refused. From there, the administration got inspiration to accuse Acosta of assault, parading their claim via means including a video of the interaction sped up to make the journalist look more violent and television comments about what a heinous thing he’d (not) done.
Somehow coming to terms with the error of their ways, the administration has now changed their narrative. In a more recent statement from press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, she denounced Acosta for refusing to hand over the microphone — losing her previous claim that he’s guilty of assault.
The damage, though, to the administration’s reputation had already been enacted to the point that Fox — the president’s favorite news source — has now joined in on the criticism. That could be a sign that the administration will soon relent and restore Acosta’s access — or not.
Meanwhile, Trump fans melted down.
Featured Image via YouTube screenshot
