CNN Chief White House Correspondent Jim Acosta's press credentials have been revoked by the White House following an encounter with President Donald Trump during a press conference on Wednesday.
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the decision on Wednesday night, saying that Acosta's conduct is "absolutely unacceptable," USA TODAY reported.
"President Trump believes in a free press and expects and welcomes tough questions of him and his Administration," Sanders said in a statement released by the White House. "We will, however, never tolerate a reporter placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern."
During a Wednesday morning press conference, Acosta began by asking Trump about the migrant caravan and the President's characterization of the group as an "invasion" while Trump repeatedly talked over Acosta's question.
"I think you should let me run the country," Trump said after Acosta asked a follow-up question. "You run CNN and if you did it well, your ratings would be much better."
Acosta then attempted to ask a follow-up question with Trump repeatedly telling him, "That's enough," and shaking his finger at Acosta.
A White House Intern then moved in to take the microphone from Acosta, who did not give it up, apologizing to the intern by saying, "Pardon me, ma'am."
Acosta then asked a question regarding the investigation into Russia's alleged tampering with the 2016 election.
"I'm not concerned with anything regarding the Russia investigation because it's a hoax. That's enough, put down the mic," Trump said.
Acosta finished his question, asking if Trump was worried about indictments related to the investigation as the President walked away from the podium.
The White House intern then took the mic and passed it to another reporter, NBC News' Peter Alexander.
Trump returned to the podium, telling Acosta, "I tell you what: CNN should be ashamed of itself, having you working for them. You are a rude, terrible person."
The clash between Acosta and Trump is just one of several since the President took office, though it is the first to result in Acosta having his access to the White House revoked.
CNN stood up for Acosta after the incident, releasing a statement that said, "This President's ongoing attacks on the press have gone too far. They are not only dangerous, they are disturbingly un-American."
No time frame has been given for when, or if, Acosta's press credentials will be reinstated.
"As a result of today's incident, the White House is suspending the hard pass of the reporter involved until further notice," Sanders said.
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