Jim Acosta considers leaving CNN after losing his morning show and facing possible midnight slot in Los Angeles

Jim Acosta, the well-known CNN anchor, may be weighing his options after losing his coveted 10 a.m. timeslot.

The shake-up comes amidst broader layoffs at CNN, with 200 staff members in the TV division reportedly affected.

Morning Show Shake-Up

On Thursday, CNN’s CEO Mark Thompson confirmed that Acosta’s morning show would be replaced by The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown.

While his ratings were reportedly solid, Acosta’s history of fiery exchanges with Donald Trump during his presidency has cast a shadow over his role as Trump gears up for a second term.

The New York Times noted that Acosta is in talks about a new, undisclosed role within CNN.

However, reports from the LA Times suggest he may be relegated to a late-night slot, potentially airing from midnight to 2 a.m.

Rumors are swirling that the proposed move has Acosta contemplating leaving the network altogether.

Midnight Move Sparks Fallout

Sources claim Acosta’s potential new role would shift him to CNN’s Los Angeles bureau, putting him on air between 9-11 p.m. PT, which is primetime on the West Coast.

Despite the favorable time for West Coast viewers, the proposed midnight-to-2 a.m. timeslot has been described by insiders as “the Siberia of television.”

Adding to the tension, CNN staffers reportedly view the move as a concession to Trump, a theory further fueled by the rocky history between the anchor and the former president.

Controversial Past with Trump

Acosta’s clashes with Trump were some of the most memorable moments of the previous administration.

In 2018, after a heated confrontation, the White House revoked Acosta’s press pass, a decision CNN successfully challenged in federal court.

During these verbal showdowns, Trump called Acosta “a rude, terrible person” and accused him of being “fake news.”

In response, Acosta often countered with sharp remarks, such as questioning the president’s claims and agenda.

These exchanges went viral, cementing Acosta’s reputation as a journalist unafraid to confront authority.

Staff Frustrations and Leaks

The reported shake-up hasn’t been without drama behind the scenes.

CNN insiders claim CEO Mark Thompson is furious that details of the private discussions with Acosta were leaked to the press.

Meanwhile, some staff members are said to be disheartened by the network’s rumored willingness to sideline Acosta, interpreting it as a strategic decision to soften CNN’s stance on Trump.

A Broader Reshuffle

This potential move is just one of several changes CNN is reportedly considering.

Longtime anchor Wolf Blitzer, 76, is set to take over Acosta’s former morning slot, further fueling speculation about the network’s future direction.

As Jim Acosta faces this crossroads in his career, one thing is certain—his next steps will draw significant attention from both supporters and critics alike.