“Don’t give in to lies, don’t give in to fear,” says Jim Acosta in his last appearance on CNN

Jim Acosta, news presenter at CNN since 2007, announced his immediate departure at the end of his live show. In a heartfelt and emotional message, he urged viewers not to succumb to lies or fear, encouraging them to hold on to truth and hope.

This message comes after he was relegated from his morning show to a night slot, from midnight to 2 AM, a decision widely seen as a clear signal intended to push Jim Acosta out.

Today’s show was my last at CNN. My closing message: It’s never a good time to bow down to a tyrant… don’t give in to the lies. Don’t give in to fear. Hold on to the truth… and hope.

— Jim Acosta (@jimacosta.bsky.social) 2025-01-28T18:07:30.523Z

Known for challenging Trump during his first administration and openly criticizing his actions, Acosta represented positions that CNN now seems to want to exclude from its network.

In a message filled with grace despite the tense circumstances with his employer, Acosta took the time to thank everyone working behind the scenes at CNN as well as the network itself for nearly 18 years spent within the organization.

However, after careful consideration of the new time slot that had been offered to him, he decided to turn the page.

In his resignation message, it is clear that Acosta chose not to comply with an alleged directive from CNN aimed at avoiding criticism of Trump and his administration:

“It’s never good to bow down to a tyrant.”

“One last message: do not give in to lies, do not give in to fear. Hold on to truth and hope. Even if you have to, pick up your phone and record this message: I will not give in to lies, I will not give in to fear. Post it on your social media so that people can hear it from you.”

It should be noted that a recent restructuring was announced at CNN to bring significant changes for several other iconic figures at CNN, including Wolf Blitzer and Jake Tapper, but for Jim Acosta, it was perceived as a major setback, as the company sidelined him from strategic time slots.

Among these major programming changes, The Lead with Jake Tapper, previously aired weekdays from 4 PM to 6 PM (ET), will be moved from 5 PM to 7 PM (ET) starting March 2025, as part of this significant network reorganization.

The schedule change for Wolf Blitzer, who was previously leading The Situation Room aired weekdays from 6 PM to 7 PM (ET), now places him in a new morning slot, from 10 AM to 12 PM (ET), where he will co-host with Pamela Brown, thus replacing the slot previously occupied by Jim Acosta’s show.

Some perceive CNN’s decision as being related to Donald Trump’s return to the White House, with Jim Acosta being one of the most critical hosts of the former and current president.

Acosta also stated in his message that he has always considered it essential for the press to hold power accountable. He claimed to have always attempted to fulfill that role at CNN and expressed his intention to continue doing so in the future.

He made history in 2018, notably during a direct confrontation with President Trump, who wanted to silence him.

Acosta stated he would share his future plans in the coming days while expressing gratitude for the honor of being welcomed into viewers’ homes all these years at CNN.

His departure undeniably represents a major loss for CNN.