Donald Trump orders CNN's Jim Acosta 'out' of Oval Office after immigration questions
President glares at reporter before telling him to leave
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Donald Trump ordered a CNN reporter out of the Oval Office after he asked about the President’s views on immigration.
Jim Acosta claimed aides “shouted in my face” after he tried to pin down Mr Trump on comments he allegedly made in a meeting with senators last week.
Mr Trump reportedly asked why people from “s***hole” countries wanted to come to the US, referring to El Salvador and unspecified African nations. He was also accused of saying “we don’t need more Haitians”.
Reports of his comments provoked outrage, with Botswana hauling in the US ambassador to ask whether the President considered that country a “s***hole”.
During a question-and-answer session, as Mr Trump was thanking reporters for their time, Mr Acosta asked: “Mr President, did you say that you want more people to come in from Norway?”
Sitting next to President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan, Mr Trump continued to repeat, “Thank you very much”, before adding: “I want them to come in from everywhere, everywhere.”
At the same time, a female White House aide was heard thanking reporters for coming and apparently trying to end the session.
Mr Acosta then asked: “Just Caucasian or white countries, sir, or you want people to come in from other parts of the world, people of colour?”
The President fixed him with a stare, pointed and said: “Out.”
The aide then said: “Jim, thank you.”
Mr Acosta, CNN’s chief White House correspondent, tweeted afterwards: “In Oval Office pool spray, I asked why Trump wants more people to come in from Norway. He said he wants people to come in from everywhere.
“When I tried to follow up on this in the Oval Office, Trump told me to get ‘out’. We then went to the Roosevelt Room where WH aides obstructed us from asking questions.
“As I attempted to ask questions in Roosevelt Room of Trump, WH press aides shouted in my face to drown out my questions. I have never encountered that before.
“What occurred reminded me of something I would see in a different country. Certainly not at the WH. Certainly not in the US.”
Mr Trump has denied using the term “s***hole” but admitted being “tough” during the meeting.
On Sunday, he told reporters he was “the least racist person you have ever interviewed”, adding: “I’m not a racist.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments