CNN employees were reportedly surprised by the swiftness of Jim Acosta's exit, which transpired within just a few days. "It happened in a flash," a CNN source told Fox News Digital, expressing the general sentiment of disbelief within the network.

Acosta concluded his 18-year tenure at CNN on Tuesday, announcing his departure during his 10 a.m. show. He explained his decision, stating that after careful thought and consideration of an alternative timeslot offered by the network, he opted to move on. His closing remarks included a message seemingly directed at former President Donald Trump, with whom Acosta had well-documented clashes: "It is never wise to yield to authoritarian pressure." He emphasized the press's role in holding power accountable and urged viewers to resist falsehoods and fear, advocating for truth and hope.

CNN issued a statement acknowledging Acosta's two-decade career and his commitment to journalistic freedoms, wishing him well for the future. The announcement followed speculation about Acosta's standing at the network after he was noticeably absent from CNN's revised programming schedule. His 10 a.m. slot was replaced with "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown."

Reports suggest that CNN CEO Mark Thompson presented Acosta with a midnight timeslot, a proposal that many interpreted as a demotion. Acosta declined the offer, choosing instead to pursue opportunities outside of CNN. A CNN insider commented on the unexpected speed of Acosta's exit, contrasting it with the departures of Chris Cuomo and Don Lemon, after which the network continued without significant disruption. While some colleagues praised Acosta's farewell message as "classy," others believe his departure was driven by ideological considerations related to his critical stance on former President Trump.

Former President Trump celebrated Acosta's departure, criticizing his journalistic integrity and predicting his future failure. Acosta retorted with a suggestion that Trump suffers from "Acosta Derangement Syndrome." Trump's supporters online echoed his sentiments, while critics accused CNN of succumbing to pressure from the White House. Following his final CNN broadcast, Acosta launched a Substack account, hinting at the upcoming "The Jim Acosta Show" and declaring his refusal to be silenced.