Former CNN anchor Jim Acosta recently shared his thoughts on Donald Trump supporters, suggesting that many in the country are indifferent to the truth. In an interview with The Washingtonian, Acosta emphasized the importance of news outlets fact-checking Trump during his potential second term.
Acosta, who left CNN earlier this year to start his own Substack video platform, expressed concern about the current media landscape. He noted that half of the country still seeks out the truth, urging journalists to step up their efforts in reporting accurately. "I think it does make a difference," he said, highlighting the need for more accountability in journalism.
Reflecting on his time as a journalist, Acosta mentioned how he used to discourage college students from pursuing a career in journalism due to the sacrifices it demands. However, he has since changed his stance, now encouraging young people to join the field because of the pressing need for dedicated reporters.
During his years at CNN, Acosta was known for his confrontational style, often clashing with Trump and his administration. He expressed his views openly, criticizing various aspects of the Trump presidency, including calling out the use of the term "Wuhan coronavirus" as xenophobic and questioning celebrity involvement in political discussions.
After being reassigned from the White House beat when Joe Biden took office, Acosta left CNN in January after declining a late-night slot. He has since been vocal about his views on Trump, even referring to the daily antics of Trump and his team as a "sh—y show" during a recent town hall with other media figures, including Don Lemon.
Acosta’s comments reflect a broader concern among journalists about the state of media literacy in America. He believes it is essential to educate the public on how to critically engage with the news, especially as misinformation continues to spread.