CNN to take on White House

MEDIA network CNN has sued Donald Trump’s administration, alleging the White House violated journalist Jim Acosta’s rights under the Constitution by revoking his press credentials following a heated exchange with the US president.

“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,” the news network said in a statement announcing the lawsuit filed in federal court in Washington.

“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,” CNN said.

“If left unchallenged, the actions of the White House would create a dangerous chilling effect for any journalist who covers our elected officials.”

It comes as Donald Trump hit out at the suit, saying he was considering revoking more press credentials.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders dismissed the legal complaint as “grandstanding”, vowing that the White House would “vigorously defend against this lawsuit.”

She alleged Mr Acosta “physically refused to surrender a White House microphone to an intern”, softening the earlier misconduct accusation and then casting blame on the journalist for his persistent questioning.

“The First Amendment is not served when a single reporter, of more than 150 present, attempts to monopolise the floor,” the press secretary said. “If there is no check on this type of behaviour it impedes the ability of the president, the White House staff, and members of the media to conduct business.”

CNN LAWYER TED BOUTROUS

CNN lawyer Ted Boutrous said the White House’s suspension of the press pass made “clear it was based on the content of the reporting”.

“CNN’s argument is very straightforward,” the lawyer told the US network. “We can’t have the White House tossing people out because they don’t like what they are saying or what they are reporting. That is what happened. That is the First Amendment.”

The White House had suspended Mr Acosta’s hard pass after he sparred at a press conference with the president, who demanded that the reporter yield the microphone and called him a “rude, terrible person” when he did not immediately comply.

WE CAN’T HAVE THE WHITE HOUSE TOSSING PEOPLE OUT BECAUSE THEY DON’T LIKE WHAT THEY ARE SAYING