Former CNN anchor Jim Acosta is drawing criticism after launching a series of sharp attacks against President Donald Trump, comparing the president’s Washington, D.C., projects to the final days of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein while also questioning Trump’s health and leadership.
Acosta made the remarks during an appearance on progressive commentator Jack Cocchiarella’s podcast shortly after President Trump hosted the America 250 celebration on the National Mall to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Acosta Compares Trump To Saddam Hussein
During the interview, Acosta was asked what should happen to Trump’s monuments and other projects after he leaves office.
He responded by comparing Trump’s efforts in Washington to the final days of Saddam Hussein’s rule, arguing that the president is focused on shaping how history will remember him.
Acosta claimed Trump believes he will ultimately receive poor marks from historians and suggested that concern is driving many of the projects currently underway in the nation’s capital.
He also argued that future leaders should reverse many of those initiatives and restore Washington to its previous appearance.
Former CNN Anchor Questions Trump’s Health
Acosta went beyond criticizing Trump’s policies by raising concerns about the president’s health.
He said he believes Trump’s mental condition deserves more public attention than his physical health and argued that the president appears different from the individual he covered during Trump’s first term.
Acosta also pointed to Trump’s public appearances and speaking style as reasons he believes the media should ask more questions.
He criticized major news organizations for not devoting more coverage to the issue, saying journalists should not hesitate to report on observations they believe are newsworthy.
White House Responds
The White House forcefully rejected Acosta’s comments.
In a statement provided to Fox News Digital, White House spokesman Davis Ingle defended President Trump, praising his energy, work ethic and accessibility.
Ingle argued that President Trump continues to maintain one of the busiest public schedules of any modern president while delivering on his campaign promises.
The spokesman also accused Democrats and many legacy media outlets of minimizing concerns surrounding former President Joe Biden’s mental and physical condition during his administration.
Political Debate Continues
Acosta concluded the interview by questioning who regularly advises President Trump on major policy decisions, including matters involving national security.
His latest remarks quickly fueled debate across social media, with supporters of the president dismissing the comments as another example of partisan criticism from a longtime Trump opponent.
Meanwhile, the White House maintains that President Trump remains focused on advancing his agenda, strengthening the economy, securing the border and leading preparations for America’s historic 250th anniversary celebration.
As the political battle heading into the next election cycle intensifies, comments from prominent media figures like Acosta are likely to continue generating strong reactions from both supporters and critics of President Trump.