History of Jim Acosta in Timeline

Jim Acosta is an American broadcast journalist who worked for CNN from 2007 to 2025. He rose to prominence as CNN's chief White House correspondent during the Obama and first Trump administrations, becoming known for his confrontational exchanges with President Donald Trump during press briefings. In 2021, he transitioned to anchor and chief domestic correspondent for CNN. Acosta left CNN in January 2025 after declining a time slot change for his show, CNN Newsroom.

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Full Timeline

April 17, 1971: Jim Acosta's Birth

On April 17, 1971, Abilio James Acosta, who would later become a well-known broadcast journalist, was born.

1989: High School Graduation

In 1989, Jim Acosta graduated from Annandale High School.

1993: College Graduation

In 1993, Jim Acosta earned a bachelor's degree in mass communication from James Madison University.

1994: Acosta Joins WTTG-TV

In 1994, Jim Acosta left WMAL and began working for Fox affiliate WTTG-TV as a desk assistant.

1995: Acosta Becomes Reporter at WBIR-TV

In 1995, Jim Acosta became a reporter and substitute anchor at NBC affiliate WBIR-TV in Knoxville, Tennessee.

1998: Acosta Joins KTVT-TV

In 1998, Jim Acosta began working as a reporter for CBS affiliate KTVT-TV in Fort Worth.

1999: Acosta's Marriage

In 1999, Jim Acosta married Sharon Mobley Stow.

2000: Acosta Joins WBBM-TV

From 2000, Jim Acosta worked as a reporter for WBBM-TV in Chicago.

2001: Acosta Joins CBS News Newspath Service

From 2001, Jim Acosta worked as a correspondent for CBS News' Newspath service, based in both Dallas and Chicago.

February 2003: Acosta Joins CBS News as Correspondent

In February 2003, Jim Acosta began working as a correspondent for CBS News, based in New York City.

2004: Acosta Covers Kerry Campaign and Iraq War

In 2004, while at CBS News, Jim Acosta covered John Kerry's presidential campaign and the Iraq War from Baghdad.

March 2007: Acosta Leaves CBS News

In March 2007, Jim Acosta left his position as a correspondent for CBS News.

April 2007: Acosta Joins CNN

In April 2007, Jim Acosta joined CNN.

2007: Acosta Joins CNN

In 2007, Jim Acosta began working for CNN, a role he held until 2025.

2008: Acosta Covers 2008 Presidential Campaigns

In 2008, Jim Acosta covered the presidential campaigns of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton for CNN.

2010: Acosta Contributes to CNN's Midterm Election Coverage

In 2010, Jim Acosta contributed to CNN's coverage of the midterm elections.

February 2012: Acosta Promoted to National Political Correspondent

In February 2012, Jim Acosta was promoted to the position of national political correspondent at CNN.

November 2015: Acosta Challenges President Obama on ISIS Strategy

In November 2015, Jim Acosta challenged President Obama on his administration's strategy for destroying ISIS at a news conference.

March 2016: Acosta Covers Obama's Cuba Trip

In March 2016, Jim Acosta traveled to Cuba to cover President Obama's historic trip and questioned Raúl Castro on human rights.

May 2016: Trump Calls Acosta "A Real Beauty"

In May 2016, during a press conference, Donald Trump called Jim Acosta "a real beauty" in response to his reporting.

January 11, 2017: Trump Calls Acosta and CNN "Fake News"

On January 11, 2017, during his first press conference as President-elect, Donald Trump called Jim Acosta and CNN "fake news" when Acosta attempted to ask a question about Russia.

August 2, 2017: Heated Debate with Stephen Miller

On August 2, 2017, Jim Acosta engaged in a heated debate with Stephen Miller over the Trump administration's support for the RAISE Act.

2017: Acosta's Divorce

In 2017, Jim Acosta divorced Sharon Mobley Stow.

January 9, 2018: Acosta Promoted to Chief White House Correspondent

On January 9, 2018, Jim Acosta was promoted to chief White House correspondent for CNN.

August 2, 2018: Acosta Questions Sarah Huckabee Sanders

On August 2, 2018, Jim Acosta asked Sarah Huckabee Sanders if she agreed about CNN, but she did not directly answer the question.

November 7, 2018: Verbal Sparring with President Trump

On November 7, 2018, Jim Acosta verbally sparred with President Trump at a White House press conference following the 2018 midterm elections, leading to Trump calling him "a rude, terrible person."

November 13, 2018: CNN and Acosta File Suit Against Trump Administration

On November 13, 2018, CNN and Jim Acosta filed a civil suit against President Trump and several White House officials, seeking to restore Acosta's access to the White House.