Jim Acosta is back in the headlines, issuing a call for the media to unite in response to President Donald Trump’s disparaging remarks toward journalists. During a recent appearance on MS NOW, Acosta highlighted Trump’s insulting comments directed at Bloomberg reporter Catherine Lucey, who he referentially called “quiet, piggy” after she pressed him on sensitive topics related to Jeffrey Epstein. Acosta described Trump’s outburst as “disgusting” and argued it warranted a robust response from the press corps.
Acosta’s response underscores a growing concern among journalists about the treatment they receive from powerful figures. He pointed out that such inappropriate language would lead to serious consequences in any workplace. “If a boss spoke to a female employee that way in any other workplace, they would be fired,” he noted. Acosta believes the press should not shy away from confrontation, urging reporters present at similar events to challenge the President directly. His statement advocated for a more assertive media response, saying, “Mr. President, that is not appropriate. Why didn’t you answer that question?” This confrontation raises the stakes for journalistic integrity and accountability.
Moreover, Acosta proposed “collective action” as a possible solution. He suggested that major media organizations issue a formal letter to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, indicating that if Trump continues his mockery of journalists, they might resort to boycotts. By withholding coverage from White House events and Air Force One travel, Acosta claimed that outlets would force Trump to rethink his approach. “You can have Fox and all these other sycophantic outlets covering you, but we’re just not going to do it,” he emphasized. This strategy reflects a growing frustration within some media circles about maintaining professionalism in the face of hostility.
The history between Acosta and Trump is not without its conflicts. Acosta has openly clashed with the former president, including a particularly heated encounter in 2018 where Trump labeled him a “rude, terrible person.” This incident led to Acosta’s press credentials being revoked after a controversial exchange over the use of the term “invasion” to describe a migrant caravan. Such confrontations have painted a jagged picture of the relationship between the media and the Trump administration, one marked by accusations and mistrust.
Following Acosta’s departure from CNN, Trump didn’t miss the chance to mock him, calling him a “major loser” on his social platform. Acosta’s statements now could be seen as both an attempt to regain some authority for journalists and a move to foster camaraderie among news organizations. Yet, the proposal of collective action raises questions about press freedom and the balance of power in the relationship between the White House and the media.
While Acosta’s calls for solidarity reflect a significant concern within the journalistic community, whether or not his ideas gain traction remains to be seen. Nevertheless, his readiness to confront Trump and his call for unity in the press highlights the ongoing struggle to uphold journalistic standards in an environment increasingly riddled with personal attacks and hostility.
"*" indicates required fields
