Jim Acosta, a seasoned journalist known for his hard-hitting interviews and confrontations with former President Donald Trump, recently made headlines after resigning from CNN. Acosta, who had been with the network for nearly two decades, announced his departure on January 28, 2025, after refusing to move to a later time slot. His decision marks the end of a significant chapter in his career, leaving fans and media watchers curious about his salary, earnings, and overall net worth.
Why Did Jim Acosta Leave CNN?
Jim Acosta’s resignation from CNN came after the network decided to shift veteran journalist Wolf Blitzer into his usual 10 a.m. Eastern time slot. Acosta was offered a different, later time slot, but he declined the change and chose to step away from the network instead. His decision to leave was a personal and professional move, reflecting his dissatisfaction with the proposed change.
Before signing off from his final CNN broadcast, Acosta left his audience with a parting message: “Don’t give in to the lies. Don’t give in to the fear.” The statement was widely interpreted as a nod to his reputation for challenging misinformation in politics, particularly during the Trump administration.
Jim Acosta’s Salary at CNN
One of the most frequently asked questions about Jim Acosta revolves around his salary at CNN. While the exact figures are not publicly confirmed, various reports have estimated his annual salary to be anywhere between $700,000 and $2 million. However, these numbers remain unverified.
Given his tenure at CNN, which lasted 18 years, Acosta was likely among the higher-paid anchors and correspondents at the network. His role as Chief White House Correspondent during the Obama and Trump administrations, followed by his position as Chief Domestic Correspondent and Anchor, positioned him as a prominent figure in political journalism.
Jim Acosta’s Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Jim Acosta’s net worth is estimated to be between $4 million and $10 million. His wealth comes primarily from his earnings at CNN, his book sales, and potential investments, including real estate holdings.
Although Acosta’s exact financial details are private, his long-standing career in broadcast journalism and high-profile assignments suggest he accumulated substantial wealth.
Jim Acosta’s Career and Achievements
Acosta joined CNN in 2007, steadily climbing the ranks to become one of the most recognizable faces in political journalism. His major career milestones include:
- Serving as Chief White House Correspondent from 2018 to 2021, where he covered the Trump administration extensively.
- Gaining national attention for his pointed questions and tense exchanges with President Trump, most notably in November 2018, when Trump called him a “rude, terrible person” during a press conference.
- Publishing his book, The Enemy of the People: A Dangerous Time to Tell the Truth in America (2019), which discusses press freedom and the challenges of political journalism.
- Transitioning to Chief Domestic Correspondent and anchor at CNN before leaving the network in January 2025.
His career has been defined by fearless reporting, pushing back against misinformation, and delivering hard-hitting journalism.
Jim Acosta’s Age, Family, and Personal Life
Born on April 17, 1971, Jim Acosta is currently 53 years old. He has maintained a relatively private personal life but is known to be a devoted father. Acosta was previously married to Sharon Mobley Stow, with whom he shares children.
Despite his high-profile career, he has kept his personal relationships out of the spotlight, focusing more on his journalistic endeavors.
Jim Acosta vs. Donald Trump: A Controversial Relationship
One of the defining aspects of Acosta’s career has been his public clashes with former President Donald Trump. Their strained relationship was evident during numerous White House press briefings, where Acosta often challenged Trump’s statements and policies.
A particularly heated exchange occurred in November 2018, when Trump lashed out at Acosta for questioning his rhetoric on immigration, leading to a temporary suspension of Acosta’s White House press credentials. The incident made headlines and underscored the tensions between the Trump administration and the press.
Following Acosta’s resignation from CNN, Trump reacted on Truth Social, calling him a “major loser who will fail no matter where he ends up.” The former president’s remarks reflect their long-standing animosity, which played out over several years in the media.
Jim Acosta’s Future Plans
Although Acosta has stepped away from CNN, his career is far from over. There is speculation that he may explore new opportunities in journalism, possibly joining another network, starting his own media platform, or focusing on writing and public speaking. Given his reputation and extensive experience, his next move is highly anticipated.
Potential Career Paths for Jim Acosta:
- Launching a podcast or independent journalism venture.
- Joining a new news network or digital media platform.
- Writing another book on political journalism and press freedom.
- Becoming a political analyst or guest commentator on major networks.