CNN anchor Jim Acosta's tenure at the network has reportedly concluded following his removal from the programming lineup. The Status newsletter initially broke the news, indicating Acosta's expected departure after his 10 a.m. ET slot was replaced with "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown." This follows a previous report from the newsletter that CNN CEO Mark Thompson had proposed moving Acosta to a less prominent 2-hour slot starting at midnight.

Sources within CNN revealed to Fox News Digital that Acosta may have opted to shorten his contract rather than accept the proposed shift. One insider noted the difficulty of the decision, while another expressed disappointment, emphasizing Acosta's popularity with viewers and his potential to succeed even in an overnight slot.

Acosta initially gained prominence as CNN's chief White House correspondent during the Trump administration, often engaging in heated exchanges with the former president and his staff. After the 2020 election, his role transitioned to chief domestic correspondent, leading weekend shows before moving to weekdays.

While CNN's previous leadership seemed to embrace Acosta's confrontational approach towards the Trump administration, the current direction appears to favor a more neutral presentation.

Acosta began his career at CNN in 2007, covering political campaigns and eventually the Obama and Trump White Houses. His assertive questioning style, particularly during the Trump era, led to accusations of grandstanding and earned him the label of "fake news" from the former president. A notable incident involved Acosta refusing to relinquish a microphone during a 2018 press conference, resulting in a temporary revocation of his White House press pass, which was later reinstated after legal challenges.

The heightened profile Acosta gained during the Trump years led to a book deal and appearances on late-night talk shows, solidifying his media presence. He recently reiterated to viewers that the press is not "the enemy of the people," a clear reference to a phrase often used by former President Trump. This departure marks a significant shift in CNN's on-air talent lineup.