Former CNN correspondent Jim Acosta sparked controversy after making a joke about President Donald Trump’s late wife and immigration during a recent podcast interview.
In a Monday episode of “The Contrarian” podcast with Jennifer Rubin, Acosta criticized Trump’s immigration policies and questioned the president’s stance on enforcement actions by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). He highlighted what he called hypocrisy, noting Trump’s immigrant wives, including his late first wife, Ivana Trump.
Acosta asked, “Where are the ICE raids at the Trump properties? Could somebody call ICE on the Trump golf course in Virginia? You’re telling me there’s nobody in there who is undocumented or has issues with their paperwork? Give me a break.”
He then referenced Ivana Trump’s burial site, saying, “How many immigrants has he married? He’s got one buried at his golf course in New Jersey! Isn’t she buried by the first hole or the second tee or something like that?” Co-host Rubin and reporter April Ryan laughed at the remark.
Acosta added jokingly, “Immigrants always doing the jobs that Americans don’t want to do.”
Ivana Trump, mother of Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric Trump, passed away in 2022. She is buried at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
The White House responded sharply. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News Digital, “Jim Acosta is a disgraceful human being.”
Acosta left CNN in January after covering the White House during Trump’s first term. He was known for being a vocal critic of the former president, often mixing opinion with reporting. Since going independent, Acosta has maintained his outspoken left-wing views.
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, tensions have escalated amid ICE raids in the city, which is known as a sanctuary city. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported arresting 575 people since protests began. Clashes between police and protesters have turned violent, with protesters throwing objects, setting fires, and launching fireworks at officers. As of Monday, 10 law enforcement officers have been injured.
