Fox News announced it would file a legal brief supporting CNN’s legal challenge to the White House over the suspension of press privileges for CNN correspondent Jim Acosta.
“Fox News supports CNN in its legal effort to regain its White House reporter’s press credential. We intend to file an amicus brief with the U.S. District Court,” Fox News president Jay Wallace said in a statement.
“Secret Service passes for working White House journalists should never be weaponized,” he said. “While we don’t condone the growing antagonistic tone by both the President and the press at recent media avails, we do support a free press, access and open exchanges for the American people.”
On Tuesday, CNN announced their intention to sue the White House after the Trump Administration revoked the press credentials of network White House correspondent Jim Acosta. In addition to in-house counsel, the channel has retained top legal talent in their effort including former GOP Solicitor General Theodore Olson.
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
“The Supreme Court has held in no uncertain terms that the First Amendment protects ‘robust political debate,’ including ‘speech that is critical of those who hold public office,’” said Olson in a statement.
“Mr. Acosta’s press credentials must be restored so that all members of the press know they will remain free to ask tough questions, challenge government officials, and report the business of the nation to the American people.”
Last week, Acosta lost his press credentials after an unusually nasty fight with Trump during an East Wing press conference. As an aide wrestled with the Acosta for control of the microphone, Trump lambasted the reporter on live television.
“CNN should be ashamed of itself having you working for them. You are a rude, terrible person. You shouldn’t be working for CNN,” the president said as Acosta stammered. “The way you treat Sarah Huckabee is horrible. The way you treat other people are horrible. You shouldn’t treat people that way.”
In a statement, CNN thanked Fox News for the support.
Fox News will file an amicus brief in support of @Acosta and CNN. Thank you @FoxNews! Statement from Jay Wallace below: pic.twitter.com/1EyRkho0TK
— CNN Communications (@CNNPR) November 14, 2018