Media

Video: CNN attorney explains lawsuit against Trump over Jim Acosta ban

"The First Amendment is meant for the press to be able to act on behalf of the American people and the public in getting information."

As President Donald Trump points to CNN's Jim Acosta, a White House intern attempts to take the microphone from him during a news conference in the East Room of the White House, Nov. 7, 2018. Evan Vucci / AP

By Shannon Larson

November 13, 2018

CNN filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration Tuesday morning on the grounds that the White House has violated First Amendment rights of freedom of the press by stripping correspondent Jim Acosta of his press credentials, as well as the outlet’s Fifth Amendment rights to due process.

This morning, CNN filed a lawsuit against @realDonaldTrump and top aides. The White House has violated CNN and @Acosta‘s First Amendment rights of freedom of the press and Fifth Amendment rights to due process. Complaint: https://t.co/43oX6L8xA7 pic.twitter.com/RvJ0Cgh6oi

— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) November 13, 2018

Ted Boutrous, counsel for CNN in the lawsuit, made an appearance on the network soon after where he elaborated upon the specifics of the complaint and broke down the alleged amendment violations at hand.

“CNN’s argument is very straightforward: That the First Amendment is meant for the press to be able to act on behalf of the American people and the public in getting information,” he said. “And here, when the White House revoked Mr. Acosta’s press pass, it’s clear it was based on the content of his reporting. In fact, he was asking tough questions and has been doing that. President Trump and the White House has repeatedly challenged and attacked CNN and Mr. Acosta.”