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Frequent CNN guest and former Republican Congressman Joe Walsh has criticized the network for recent layoffs and the sidelining of host Jim Acosta. CNN recently announced the dismissal of 200 staff members and significant programming changes, including Acosta’s removal from his prominent 10 a.m. slot.
Walsh, known for his outspoken opinions, took to social media Thursday evening to condemn the move. “I appear on @CNN quite often. And if saying what I’m about to say means my days at CNN are over, well then [expletive] it,” Walsh wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“CNN, what you just did—removing @acosta from his morning show—is cowardly bull[expletive]. To demote him to [expletive] appease the crybaby in the White House is pathetic. And an abdication of your duty to hold ALL public officials to account. Shame on you, CNN. Correct this mistake now.”
Acosta, who had hosted CNN’s 10 a.m. program since January 2021, gained notoriety as the network’s Chief White House Correspondent during Donald Trump’s first term. Acosta’s relentless questioning of the Trump administration often resulted in fiery exchanges, including a now-famous confrontation in 2018 when Trump lashed out at the reporter over his comments on the Central American migrant caravan.
CNN reportedly offered Acosta a late-night, two-hour slot at midnight, which sources indicate he declined. A media insider told former CNN reporter Oliver Darcy, “They want to get rid of Acosta to throw a bone to Trump. Midnight is not a serious offer when his ratings are among the best on the network.” Wolf Blitzer will now take over the 10 a.m. hour.
Acosta’s future at the network remains uncertain, as reports suggest he may consider an exit. Meanwhile, CNN’s reshuffling extends beyond Acosta, with layoffs impacting production staff and some programs shifting operations to Atlanta for cost efficiency. Other programming changes include Jake Tapper’s new 5 p.m. slot, Audie Cornish hosting “CNN This Morning” at 6 a.m., and Kasie Hunt taking the helm of a new show, “The Arena,” at 4 p.m.
CNN CEO Mark Thompson described the transformation as part of a broader strategy. “This isn’t and can’t be a single set of changes but a process of investment, experimentation, and adaptation that will last years,” Thompson wrote in a memo to staff. He also emphasized a renewed commitment to impartial journalism and fact-checking.
Despite assurances from leadership, the network’s ratings have faced challenges, particularly in the wake of President Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Trump, a longtime critic of CNN, has accused the network of bias, leading some to speculate that recent decisions reflect efforts to repair relations with his administration.
Acosta’s outspoken nature and combative style have defined his career at CNN, and his potential departure would mark a significant shift for the network. For now, CNN’s efforts to reshape its image continue to spark debate among viewers, employees, and critics alike.
