CNN sues Trump: Why has CNN filed lawsuit against Donald Trump and White House?

CNN filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the Trump administration last week following a clash between in-house reporter Jim Acosta and the President. The midterm elections last week saw Donald Trump lose considerrable ground in the White House, forfeiting the House of Representatives. When being questioned in a press statement the day after, he railed against Mr Acosta in a heated exchange which saw the reporter banned from the White House. 

CNN has since come out in support of Jim Acosta, standing beside the reporter as he was denied entry to the White House the day after his ban.

The network has been a fierce opponent of the President, who has famously branded them “fake news” in frequent attacks. 

In his argument with Mr Acosta, Mr Trump said: “CNN should be ashamed of itself having you work for them.

“You are a rude terrible person. You shouldn’t be working for CNN.

“When you report fake news, which CNN does a lot, you are the enemy of the people.”

Why is CNN suing Donald Trump?

Instead of waiting out the duration of the temporary ban, CNN has elected to begin legal action against the President and White House. 

A statement from CNN read: “CNN filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration this morning in DC District Court.

“It demands the return of the White House credentials of CNN’s Chief White House correspondent, Jim Acosta.

“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.

“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.”

The network stated their reasons are mainly to protect their reporter, but has wider implications for American politics. 

They added: “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.

“While the suit is specific to CNN and Acosta, this could have happened to anyone.

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

The suspension of a reporter’s pass is named a Secret Service ‘hard pass’.

Who is Jim Acosta?

Jim Acosta is the chief White House correspondent for CNN, one of their most senior political reporters.

He formerly worked as CNN’s world political reporter, covering the Obama administration after 2012.

His official biography on CNN’s website reads: “Previously, Acosta was national political correspondent throughout CNN’s ‘America’s Choice 2012’ election coverage, embedded with the Romney presidential campaign as the lead correspondent.

“He traveled with the GOP presidential candidate to key battleground states and to the U.K., Israel, and Poland, covering the latest campaign developments.”

“He covered both of President Barack Obama’s inaugurations and contributed to the network’s mid-term election coverage.”