Jim Acosta Urges Journalists to Boycott WHCD If Trump Attacks Press During Speech

Jim Acosta has called on journalists to walk out of the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday if former President Donald Trump uses his speech to attack the press.

The veteran journalist made the statement during a recent episode of "The Jim Acosta Show," where he was joined by media icon Katie Couric.

Couric raised the hypothetical scenario: "What if Trump stands up and trashes and singles out the reporters in the room?"

Acosta responded without hesitation:

"I will tell you exactly what I think and, on Fridays, I occasionally do these segments called, ‘F–k It Friday,’ where, you know, we’re on Substack or YouTube, so I just let it rip sometimes. I think if Trump starts doing that the reporters in the room should walk the f–k out! They should get up and leave!"

When Couric questioned whether journalists would actually follow through, Acosta acknowledged her skepticism but stood by his stance:

"I know! But that’s my personal point on this. I think that my sense of it is … that the media is one of the last institutions in this country that has come to the realization that you have to stand up to the bully."

Acosta emphasized the importance of defending press freedom, adding:

"I think you have to stand up for something and stand up for our profession and stand up for the First Amendment. And my understanding is he’s gonna come in there and trash everybody and then walk out and not even stay for the awards or any of that stuff, or any the toasting of the First Amendment and so on … And I just think it’s such a travesty."

Saturday’s event in Washington, D.C. will mark the first time Trump has attended the annual dinner as president. Over 250 journalists and media advocacy groups have signed a petition opposing his participation.

Weijia Jiang, president of the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA), told CNN:

"Everyone in attendance has chosen to be there knowing that it is a dinner dedicated to recognizing the importance of the First Amendment. Especially as we mark America’s 250th birthday, our decision to gather — as journalists, newsmakers and the president in the same room — is a reminder of what the free press means in this country."