Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Jim Acosta |
CNN today filed a lawsuit against president Trump to regain the press credentials of chief White House correspondent Jim Acosta.
The complaint in US District Court in DC alleges the yanking of Acosta's "hard pass" violates his and CNN's First and Fifth Amendment rights.
"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," said a statement from CNN. "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 suit names Trump, press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, chief of staff John Kelly and deputy chief of staff for communications Bill Shine as defendants.
CNN claims it's suing the president on behalf of all the media. "While the suit is specific to CNN and Acosta, this could have happened to anyone," said CNN. "If left unchallenged, the actions of the White House would create a dangerous chilling effect for any journalist who covers our elected officials."