Acosta Rages ‘Don’t Give into the Lies’ in Fiery Final CNN Signoff (Video)

In a powerful signoff, CNN anchor Jim Acosta bade farewell to the network after nearly two decades, urging his viewers to stand firm in the face of misinformation. As he closed out his final broadcast, Acosta delivered an impassioned message:

“Don’t give in to the lies. Don’t give in to the fear,” he said, his voice resolute. “Hold on to the truth, hold on to hope. Even if you have to pull out your phone, record it, and post it: ‘I will not give in to the lies. I will not give in to the fear.’ Let your voices be heard too.”

The abrupt end of his tenure at CNN was marked by Acosta’s decision to reject an alternative time slot offered by the network, which had recently undergone significant programming shakeups. Acosta, who had become known for his fierce critiques of political power, made the choice to walk away rather than accept a midnight timeslot — a move many interpreted as a demotion.

“I’ve always believed in the press’s duty to hold power accountable,” Acosta said, reflecting on his years of coverage. “And that’s something I’ll continue to do, wherever I go next.”

Acosta’s departure came after months of tension with the network, which has been facing its own struggles since the acquisition by Warner Bros. Discovery. The anchor’s resignation followed a series of behind-the-scenes shifts, leaving him sidelined in the daytime and primetime lineup. In an exclusive statement, CNN expressed gratitude for his long career at the network, acknowledging his commitment to journalistic integrity.

“Jim has had a distinguished nearly 20-year career at CNN, always standing up for the First Amendment and journalistic freedoms,” said a spokesperson. “We thank him for his dedication and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Trump Responds: A Bitter Legacy

Acosta’s departure was quickly met with comments from former President Donald Trump, who took to social media to mock the anchor’s exit.

“Jim Acosta, one of the worst and most dishonest reporters in journalistic history, has been relegated to the ‘Death Valley’ of CNN’s programming,” Trump wrote. “The ratings were terrible, and it’s clear he’s got no talent. He’ll fail no matter where he goes.”

The two men had clashed repeatedly during Trump’s presidency. Their fraught relationship began before Trump even took office, culminating in a dramatic moment in 2018 when the White House revoked Acosta’s press credentials. Their rivalry became emblematic of the broader tension between the Trump administration and the media, with Acosta often at the forefront of contentious exchanges.

A Defiant Reporter, A Defiant Legacy

Despite the acrimony with Trump, Acosta’s career flourished at CNN. He rose from a correspondent to chief domestic correspondent, and in 2021, he became the network’s weekend anchor. His 2016 confrontation with Cuban leader Raul Castro — a moment of journalistic courage — became a defining memory for Acosta. The encounter, during President Obama’s visit to Cuba, reinforced his belief in the importance of challenging tyranny.

“It is never a good time to bow down to a tyrant,” Acosta said, recalling the moment in his signoff.

Though Acosta’s future remains uncertain, his legacy is clear. Whether he’s challenging authority or exposing corruption, Acosta has long stood as a pillar of the free press. As CNN looks toward a future without him, his departure represents a broader shift within the network and the media landscape.

“It has been an honor to be welcomed into your homes, for all these years,” Acosta concluded, closing the chapter on a career that made him a polarizing but undeniably influential figure.

What’s Next for Jim Acosta?

While Acosta leaves CNN behind, many are already speculating about his next move. As a seasoned journalist with a record of holding power to account, it’s clear that this departure is not the end of his mission. Whether he chooses to take his voice to a new platform or continues his work in another form, one thing is certain: Jim Acosta will keep fighting for truth.

Acosta’s exit from CNN — following weeks of rumored turmoil — marks the end of an era at the network. But his call to resist misinformation and uphold the values of truth, justice, and hope resonates far beyond the confines of his final broadcast. For those who watched and listened, Acosta’s message is clear: the fight for truth is far from over.