White House accuses CNN's Jim Acosta of assaulting intern

After CNN's Jim Acosta was berated by President Trump during his post-midterms press conference on Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced that Acosta's press pass has been suspended "until further notice."

During the heated exchange between Acosta and Trump, a White House intern came up to Acosta and tried to wrestle the microphone away from him. Sanders accused Acosta of "placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job," calling his conduct "absolutely unacceptable." The incident, which doesn't appear to match the White House's description, was aired live on television, and Acosta's colleagues who were in the room are defending him. Reuters' Jeff Mason tweeted that he was seated next to Acosta and "did not witness him 'placing his hands' on the young intern, as the White House alleges."

Acosta tweeted that Sanders' assertion was "a lie." His network is standing behind him, accusing the White House of retaliating against Acosta for asking tough questions. Sanders "lied," CNN said, and "provided fraudulent accusations and cited an incident that never happened. This unprecedented decision is a threat to our democracy and the country deserves better." Catherine Garcia

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