A CNN reporter has been banned from the White House following a tense exchange with Donald Trump.
Jim Acosta has been accused of unacceptable conduct during a news conference, with the White House claiming he put his hands on a female intern who was trying to take the microphone from him.
Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement making the claim.
President Trump believes in a free press and expects and welcomes tough questions of him and his Administration. We will, however, never tolerate a reporter placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern...
— Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) 8 November 2018
The claim has been branded 'a lie' by Acosta, who also posted a video of his pass being taken by Secret Service staff.
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) 8 November 2018
Trump criticises 'rude' Acosta, CNN
The situation arose during a press conference held in the White House following the mid-term elections.
Mr Acosta, who is CNN's Chief White House Correspondent, started to question President Trump on certain issues brought up in the campaign, which resulted in the exchange:
Following this, NBC's Peter Alexander was next to ask questions, but began by defending Mr Acosta:
"In Jim's defence, I've traveled with him in Washington. He's a diligent reporter."
The US President wasn't in a particularly cheery mood, following his party's performance in the Mid-Term elections on Tuesday.
His Republican party lost control of the House of Representatives, but did hold onto the Senate.
