History of Jim Acosta in Timeline
Abilio James Acosta is a prominent American broadcast journalist known for his extensive career at CNN. He served as the network's chief White House correspondent during the Trump administration, gaining recognition for his pointed questioning of the president and his press secretaries. Prior to his White House role, Acosta covered the 2016 presidential campaign and served as CNN's senior transportation correspondent, reporting on major events such as the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. After leaving the White House beat, he became CNN's chief domestic correspondent and later an anchor. Before joining CNN, Acosta worked for various other news organizations, including CBS News and KVIA-TV in El Paso, Texas. Throughout his career, Acosta has received several awards for his journalism, including an Emmy Award. His reporting often focuses on political and social issues, and he is known for his direct and engaging style.
April 17, 1971: Birth of Abilio James Acosta
Abilio James Acosta was born on April 17, 1971.
1989: High School Graduation
Jim Acosta graduated from Annandale High School in 1989.
1993: College Graduation
Jim Acosta earned a bachelor's degree in mass communication with a minor in political science from James Madison University in 1993.
1994: First Job in Journalism
In 1994, Jim Acosta began his professional career at WMAL in Washington, D.C.
1995: Television Debut
Jim Acosta transitioned to television in 1995, working as a reporter and substitute anchor at WBIR-TV in Knoxville, Tennessee.
1998: Move to KTVT-TV
Acosta left WBIR-TV in 1998 to work as a reporter for KTVT-TV in Fort Worth.
2000: Reporting at WBBM-TV
From 2000 to 2001, Acosta worked as a reporter at WBBM-TV in Chicago.
2001: CBS Newspath Correspondent
From 2001 to 2003, Acosta served as a correspondent for CBS News' Newspath service.
2004: Covering John Kerry's Presidential Campaign
In 2004, Acosta covered the presidential campaign of Democratic candidate John Kerry.
March 2007: Departure from CBS News
Acosta's time as a CBS News correspondent concluded in March 2007.
2008: Covering 2008 Presidential Campaigns
During the 2008 presidential elections, Acosta covered the campaigns of Democratic candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
2010: Contribution to Midterm Election Coverage
Acosta contributed to CNN's coverage of the 2010 midterm elections.
February 2012: Promotion to National Political Correspondent
CNN promoted Acosta to the position of national political correspondent in February 2012.
November 2015: Challenging President Obama on ISIS Strategy
In November 2015, Acosta publicly challenged President Obama's strategy for combating ISIS during a televised news conference.
March 2016: Covering Obama's Trip to Cuba
Acosta traveled to Cuba in March 2016 to cover President Obama's historic visit to the island nation.
May 2016: Trump Calls Acosta "a real beauty"
During a news conference in May 2016, Donald Trump, then a presidential candidate, interrupted Jim Acosta's question and called him "a real beauty."
January 11, 2017: Trump Labels Acosta and CNN "Fake News"
During his first press conference as President-elect on January 11, 2017, Donald Trump dismissed Jim Acosta and CNN as "fake news."
August 2, 2017: Debate with Stephen Miller
Jim Acosta engaged in a heated debate with White House senior policy advisor Stephen Miller on August 2, 2017, regarding the Trump administration's support for the RAISE Act.
January 9, 2018: Promotion to Chief White House Correspondent
On January 9, 2018, Jim Acosta was promoted to the position of chief White House correspondent for CNN.
August 2, 2018: Exchange with Sarah Huckabee Sanders
On August 2, 2018, Acosta questioned White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders about her views on CNN, but she evaded a direct answer.
November 7, 2018: Verbal Sparring with President Trump
On November 7, 2018, Jim Acosta and President Trump engaged in a heated verbal exchange during a White House press conference following the midterm elections. Trump told Acosta to "put down the mic" and later called him "a rude, terrible person."
November 13, 2018: CNN and Acosta Sue President Trump
CNN and Jim Acosta filed a lawsuit against President Trump and several White House officials on November 13, 2018, after Acosta's press credentials were revoked.
January 2021: New Role at CNN
In January 2021, CNN announced Acosta's new roles as chief domestic correspondent and weekend anchor.
January 2021: Acosta Appointed CNN Anchor and Chief Domestic Correspondent
In January 2021, Jim Acosta was appointed anchor and chief domestic correspondent for CNN.
January 23, 2025: Removal of Acosta's Weekday Morning Newscast
On January 23, 2025, CNN announced the removal of Acosta's weekday morning newscast.
January 28, 2025: Acosta's Last CNN Broadcast
On January 28, 2025, Jim Acosta made his final broadcast on CNN, marking the end of his tenure at the network.
March 2025: Replacement Newscast Announced
A new "Situation Room" series hosted by Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown was announced to replace Acosta's newscast in March 2025.
