CNN has described President Trump’s attacks on the media “un-American” after his fiery outburst at its chief White House correspondent.
Jim Acosta was branded rude and a “terrible person” by Donald Trump on Wednesday at a news conference following the midterm elections.
He also claimed the broadcaster should be “ashamed” to have him as an employee.
Mr Acosta had asked the president questions about the immigrant caravan, the tone of his campaign videos and investigations into Russian interference in elections.
The media outlet has since hit back and given its unwavering support to Mr Acosta after he was targeted by Trump, who branded him "fake news."
A statement from CNN said: “This President’s ongoing attacks on the press have gone too far. They are not only dangerous, they are disturbingly un-American. While President Trump has made it clear he does not respect a free press, he has a sworn obligation to protect it.
“A free press is vital to democracy, and we stand behind Jim Acosta and his fellow journalists everywhere.”
A CNN office in New York was one of many targets sent pipe bombs in October by a fanatical Trump supporter.
Mr Acosta asked about this and Mr Trump said: "When you report fake news, you are the enemy of the people."
Directly after Wednesday’s attack on Mr Acosta, NBC reporter Peter Alexander also defended him.
He said: “I think that’s unfair.
“I've travelled with him and watched him, he's a diligent reporter who busts his butt like the rest of us."
NBC has since shared this quote and Mr Acosta thanked him on Twitter.
At the time, Mr Trump told Mr Alexander: "I'm not a big fan of yours either, to be honest."
The altercation, which led to a White House aide attempting to wrangle a microphone from Mr Acosta as Mr Trump shouted “that’s enough”, began when the journalist quizzed the midterm election campaign.
Since the incident, hundreds of people have supported Mr Acosta on Twitter, with the hashtag “StandWithAcosta” gaining some traction.
There have been detractors, though, with some stating that he was disrespectful and questions raised over him physically stopping the female aide from taking the microphone.
Mr Acosta began his journalism career in 1994, working for a radio station in Washington DC.
Shortly after this he moved in front of the camera and has presented for a variety of outlets since.
He was formerly the national political correspondent for CNN and was promoted to his current role in 2018.
