CNN’s Acosta ‘thanks’ Mulvaney after exchange at press conference

CNN’s chief White House correspondent Jim Acosta on Thursday offered his “thanks” to acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney after Mulvaney declined to answer a question during a press conference.

The reporter tweeted out to suggest that “Mulvaney refusing to take a question from CNN” during a press conference equated to a “badge of honor.”

Acosta sat in the front row as Mulvaney called on more than 20 reporters to ask him questions during the rare appearance in the White House briefing room. 

Mulvaney refusing to take a question from CNN = badge of honor. Thanks Mick!

— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) October 17, 2019

Acosta attempted to ask Mulvaney a question while the White House official was defending President Trump’s foreign policy.

{mosads}”What about the Bidens?” Acosta interjected.

“Excuse me, I’m talking to Mr. Karl,” Mulvaney said, referring to ABC News’s Jonathan Karl.

When the acting chief of staff called on another reporter, Acosta continued his question.

“What about the Bidens, though Mr. Mulvaney, did that come into consideration—” Acosta started.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know your name, but he’s being very rude,” Mulvaney said to the reporter he called on while referring to Acosta.

The White House correspondent also shouted after Mulvaney when he ended the conference, saying, “Why are you afraid of taking questions from CNN, sir?”

Acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney defends @realDonaldTrump‘s foreign policy changes, shuts down @Acosta for “being very rude.” pic.twitter.com/UVD5XLn4vq

— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) October 17, 2019

Acosta and the White House have clashed in the past, including last year when the White House revoked Acosta’s press pass after he had a heated exchange with the president during a press conference.

The CNN reporter’s pass was restored after a federal district court judge ordered the White House to return the pass.