Trump’s Most Hated CNN Anchor Gives Cryptic Signoff

CNN's Jim Acosta's enters the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., after a judge ordered the Trump Administration to return his press pass. On Friday, November 16, 2018.
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CNN anchor Jim Acosta gave viewers a mysterious goodbye amid reports that his show is being relegated to a midnight slot.

“It’s always an honor and a privilege to be with you, hour after hour, week after week,” Acosta said on CNN Newsroom Friday morning.

Acosta frequently sparred with Donald Trump during his first term. Now the network is looking to “throw a bone to Trump” ahead of his second term, media analyst Oliver Darcy reported in his newsletter Status.

“Midnight is not a serious offer when his ratings are among the best on the network,” an executive told Darcy.

Acosta, who currently hosts a show at 10 a.m., is reportedly seriously considering the offer.

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The midnight time slot however would be 9 p.m.-11 p.m. PT, which is prime time.

A CNN spokesperson declined to comment.

Acosta’s reassignment comes as part of a larger shakeup at CNN. The network’s star anchor Wolf Blitzer is being moved from primetime to a morning show to make way for new talent, Status reported.

CNN’s viewership has fallen by 49 percent since Trump was re-elected in November, according to Nielsen ratings.

Acosta’s cryptic message to viewers comes on the heels of his plea that the press are not the enemy of the people.

“I want to take a moment to talk about something President Biden said during his farewell address,“ Acosta signed off his show on Thursday. “He warned the free press is crumbling in this country. I would add, that’s only if we, the people, let that happen.”