The world of political commentary is no stranger to sharp words and controversy—but this time, former CNN reporter Jim Acosta has landed himself in especially hot water.
During a recent podcast appearance, Acosta made a joke that many say crossed the line, involving the late Ivana Trump, former President Donald Trump’s first wife, who passed away in 2022.
Controversial Comments on Immigration and Ivana’s Grave
Acosta, speaking on “The Contrarian” podcast during its “No Kings Day” episode, started by criticizing Trump’s stance on immigration.
“Where are the ICE raids at Trump properties?” he asked.
“Could somebody call ICE on the Trump golf course in Virginia?” He suggested that undocumented workers might be employed there—a dig that’s been made before.
But then things took a darker turn. Acosta joked about Trump’s personal life, asking how many immigrants he had married, before bringing up Ivana: “He’s got one buried at his golf course in New Jersey! Isn’t she buried by the first hole or the second tee?” he quipped.
As the podcast hosts, April Ryan and Jennifer Rubin, laughed along, Acosta added: “Immigrants, always doing the jobs Americans don’t want to do!”
Ivana Trump’s Legacy and Resting Place
Ivana Trump died in 2022 from blunt impact injuries after a fall at her home.
She was laid to rest at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey—a detail that had made headlines at the time.
Originally from the former Czechoslovakia, Ivana immigrated to Canada before eventually moving to the United States, where she met Donald Trump in New York in the 1970s.
They married in 1977 and had three children together: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric.
Strong Reactions from the White House
It didn’t take long for the backlash to roll in. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt didn’t mince words when she spoke to Fox Digital, calling Acosta “a disgraceful human being.” Supporters of Donald Trump also erupted online.
One user on X wrote, “Jim Acosta is a whole new level of messed up,” while another blasted him as a “truly SICK person” who should “go crawl under the rock you crawled out from!”
Acosta’s Longstanding Feud with Trump
Jim Acosta has been known for his tense relationship with Trump, particularly during his time as CNN’s Chief White House Correspondent.
Their confrontations were often headline-making. Trump once called him “an unprofessional guy” and mocked his intelligence in a 2018 NBC interview after a heated back-and-forth over immigration policy.
Acosta left CNN in early 2025 after nearly two decades at the network.
He now hosts his own show on Substack and YouTube titled “The Jim Acosta Show,” where he continues to speak out against Trump and his political legacy.
A Divisive Voice in a Divided Climate
While Jim Acosta has always been a polarizing figure, this latest episode has intensified the debate over the limits of political criticism.
Joking about a deceased family member—especially one who was not a politician—has struck many as not just tasteless, but deeply disrespectful.
The controversy serves as yet another reminder of the blurred lines in today’s media commentary—where political discourse and personal boundaries are often at odds.
Whether Acosta offers an apology or doubles down remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: his remarks have stirred up a storm that’s unlikely to blow over anytime soon.