CNN included a Secret Service agent as part of its lawsuit against the Trump administration over suspending senior White House correspondent Jim Acosta’s credentials. (Washington Examiner)
The agent is only identified as “John Doe” in the official lawsuit, which also names White House officials Sarah Sanders, John Kelly, and Bill Shine, as well as President Trump himself.
The lawsuit, announced Tuesday, names the agent as a defendant for blocking Acosta’s access to the White House grounds.
In a statement, the White House said it would “vigorously defend” against the lawsuit from “grandstanding” CNN.
The White House said last week that it was indefinitely suspending Acosta’s credentials after a heated exchange between him and President Trump at a press conference. After Acosta was called on to ask a question, Trump attempted to move on to another reporter, but Acosta initially refused to relinquish the microphone to a White House intern.
The day the White House revoked his pass, Acosta tweeted a video of the agent asking for his lanyard as he tried to enter the White House. As I told the officer, I don’t blame him. I know he’s just doing his job,” Acosta commented.
The US Secret Service just asked for my credential to enter the WH. As I told the officer, I don’t blame him. I know he’s just doing his job. (Sorry this video is not rightside up) pic.twitter.com/juQeuj3B9R
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) November 8, 2018