CNN’s Jim Acosta Faces Midnight Shift Amid Trump Era Tensions

WASHINGTON, D.C. — CNN anchor Jim Acosta, known for his contentious exchanges with former President Donald Trump, is reportedly considering leaving the network after being offered a midnight timeslot, a move critics describe as a demotion. The shift comes as CNN seeks to recalibrate its approach during Trump’s second term.

Acosta, who rose to prominence as CNN’s chief White House correspondent during Trump’s first administration, was informed by CNN CEO Mark Thompson that his current 10 a.m. ET slot would be replaced by Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown. Acosta has been offered a two-hour show starting at midnight, a timeslot some insiders have dubbed “the Siberia of television news.”

“Acosta is a talented broadcaster who could handle any slot on the network,” a CNN staffer told Fox News Digital. “The midnight thing is shocking, but it is what it is.” The staffer added that the move appears to be Acosta’s only path forward at the network.

The proposed shift has sparked outrage among CNN’s liberal audience, with many accusing the network of capitulating to Trump. “He could have a real slot, but the choice is to not give him one,” the staffer said. The Los Angeles Times reported that Acosta may exit the network if he refuses the midnight shift, citing sources familiar with his thinking.

Acosta’s adversarial relationship with Trump began in 2017 when he was assigned to cover the White House. His confrontational style, including a 2018 incident where he refused to relinquish a microphone during a press conference, made him a polarizing figure. The White House briefly revoked his press credentials, but CNN successfully challenged the decision in court.

During Trump’s first term, Acosta became a fixture on late-night shows and secured a book deal, further elevating his profile. However, CNN’s current leadership appears eager to avoid the dramatics that characterized his earlier coverage. “Network chiefs are keen to water down the theatrics,” an insider told Fox News Digital.

If Acosta accepts the midnight shift, he may relocate to CNN’s Los Angeles bureau, though his family is rooted in Washington, D.C. The 12-2 a.m. ET slot would air during primetime on the West Coast, potentially offering a broader audience.

CNN executives were reportedly “beyond apoplectic” when details of Acosta’s conversation with Thompson were leaked, leaving the network unprepared for the backlash. A CNN spokesperson declined to comment on the matter.

Acosta joined CNN in 2007 but gained national attention a decade later during Trump’s presidency. His future at the network remains uncertain as he weighs his options amid the changing media landscape.