CNN’s chief domestic correspondent, Jim Acosta, is reportedly preparing to leave the network after a string of recent changes that have left his future at the network uncertain. Last week, Acosta’s 10 a.m. time slot was replaced with “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown,” following a major scheduling shift at the cable news giant.
At first, there was little clarity on Acosta’s new role, but the network apparently offered him a midnight program—a move that likely didn’t sit well with the often outspoken journalist. According to multiple sources, including Fox News and the Status newsletter, the late-night slot became a dealbreaker, leading Acosta to seriously consider leaving CNN altogether.
An insider close to CNN said that Acosta “struggled with the choice” of taking the graveyard shift, which may have prompted him to seek an early exit from his contract. Another network source expressed disappointment over Acosta’s decision, acknowledging his potential for making late-night news engaging. “Many viewers like Jim… if there is anyone who could make the overnight go, it’s him. It’s sad to see him go,” the insider told Fox News Digital.
For those who have followed Acosta’s career, this departure isn’t entirely surprising. Throughout his tenure at CNN, Acosta has earned a reputation as one of the network’s most ardent critics of former President Donald Trump. His contentious relationship with the Trump administration was well-documented, especially during the 2018 press conference when Acosta and Trump clashed over a question about the migrant caravan. The incident nearly led to Acosta being banned from the White House press briefings, a situation that escalated to a legal battle. CNN successfully argued that revoking Acosta’s press pass would be a violation of both the First and Fifth Amendments.
Acosta’s confrontational style earned him both praise from some corners and criticism from others. While many lauded his persistence in holding the Trump administration accountable, his combative approach often served to stoke division. His departure from the White House beat came after Trump’s final term, with Acosta transitioning to the role of CNN’s chief domestic correspondent.
Now, as CNN’s leadership has sought to shift the network’s tone in an effort to adopt a more neutral stance for Trump’s second term, Acosta’s expected exit underscores the broader internal struggles the network is facing. In recent months, CNN has attempted to distance itself from the hyperpartisan rhetoric that has dominated cable news in favor of a more balanced approach. However, Acosta’s fierce opposition to Trump and his unyielding liberal perspective may have been difficult to reconcile with this new direction.
While Acosta’s time at CNN may be ending, his future remains uncertain. Will he transition to a new role at another network, or is he stepping away from the limelight entirely? Only time will tell. Regardless of his next move, one thing is clear: Jim Acosta’s departure marks the end of an era at CNN—one defined by fierce opposition to Trump, combative exchanges, and a divisive style of journalism that played a key role in shaping the network’s identity during a tumultuous period in American politics.
