Jim Acosta standing at a formal dinner, looking toward a distant speaker
Former CNN journalist Jim Acosta has urged reporters to “walk the f— out” of the upcoming White House Correspondents’ Dinner if President Trump uses the event to launch a “revenge attack” against the press.
Acosta’s Call to Action
Speaking on his self-titled show, Acosta articulated his strong stance, stating, “I think if Trump starts doing that, the reporters in the room should walk the f— out.” His guest, former anchor Katie Couric, expressed skepticism about reporters following through, but Acosta maintained it would be the appropriate response.
Acosta emphasized the importance of the media standing up to perceived bullying, saying, “My sense of it right now is that the media is one of the last institutions in this country that has come to the realization that you have to stand up to the bully… I think you have to stand up for something, stand up for our profession, and stand up for the First Amendment.”
Concerns Over Trump’s Remarks
Acosta indicated that his understanding was that Trump planned to “trash everybody” during his remarks, potentially leaving before awards or other proceedings. He described such an action as a “travesty,” particularly noting how cameras focus on the audience during such moments.
He advised those in attendance to be “very careful as to how they’re responding to this because it’s already a bad look.” Acosta specifically warned against reporters laughing at any insults Trump might direct at individual journalists or news organizations. “If [reporters are] sitting there laughing at Trump trashing this anchor or this correspondent or this news organization, it’s just going to look terrible, and I think he’s done this intentionally to put the media in a position where they can be a part of his media strategy,” he told Couric.
Couric agreed with Acosta’s sentiment, adding, “To yuck it up, as he insults them, is also a bad look, and also, as JVL [Jonathan V. Last] said yesterday, you know, it’s being complicit…”
Trump’s Attendance
Acosta’s comments were prompted by reports, including one from “The Daily Beast,” suggesting Trump intended to deliver a “revenge attack” against the media at the dinner. The exchange between Acosta and Couric was first highlighted by NewsBusters.
President Trump announced his acceptance of the invitation to the dinner, citing the country’s 250th anniversary as an influence on his decision. This appearance will mark the first time he has attended the event as president during either of his terms.
