President Donald Trump defended on Wednesday the decision to revoke CNN reporter Jim Acosta’s security clearance, despite the network’s decision to sue the White House.
“I really think that when you have guys like Acosta, I think they’re bad for the country,” Trump said, commenting on the lawsuit during an interview with The Daily Caller. “He’s just an average guy who’s a grandstander who’s got the guts to stand up and shout.”
Acosta’s press pass was revoked last week after he refused to give up a microphone to a White House intern during a press conference.
“Jim Acosta is just somebody who gets up and grandstands. He doesn’t even know what he’s asking you half of the time,” Trump continued.
CNN filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the Trump administration, arguing that the decision to take away Acosta’s security clearance “violates CNN and Acosta’s First Amendment rights of freedom of the press.”
The White House responded to CNN’s claim, noting that the network had nearly 50 staffers with security passes who could continue reporting for CNN.