The White House had suspended Acosta’s press pass after an altercation in which a White House intern had grabbed a mic out of Acosta’s hand during a press conference. The White House claimed– erroneously– that Acosta had put his hands on the woman consequently. Press Secretary Sarah Sanders even offered a doctored video of the incident.
CNN sued the White House over the matter. Thirteen or more news organizations, including Fox News, filed briefs in support of CNN and Acosta.