CNN’s Jim Acosta faced backlash after reviving discredited claims of Russian interference in the 2024 election. On Wednesday, Acosta tweeted what he called “exclusive breaking news,” alleging that the Biden administration had accused Russia of attempting to meddle in American democracy once again. The tweet sparked immediate controversy, drawing criticism not only from conservative commentators but also from political figures and the general public on X (formerly Twitter).
Acosta, a frequent critic of former President Donald Trump and his administration, appeared to be trying to resurface the Russian collusion narrative—a topic that was heavily scrutinized and largely debunked by investigations during Trump’s first term. Acosta tweeted, “EXCLUSIVE BREAKING NEWS NOW ON CNN: Biden administration to accuse Russia of sustained effort to influence 2024 election,” sharing a CNN article on the topic, which quickly drew backlash from a wide range of users.
EXCLUSIVE BREAKING NEWS NOW ON CNN: Biden administration to accuse Russia of sustained effort to influence 2024 election. https://t.co/n0YRreyCP3
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) September 4, 2024
Donald Trump Jr. was quick to respond, sarcastically tweeting, “Here we go again. LOL.” His comment struck a chord with many users who are frustrated with the recurring allegations of Russian interference in U.S. elections. For Trump supporters, the resurgence of these claims just months before the 2024 election feels like a familiar and tiresome cycle.
EXCLUSIVE BREAKING NEWS NOW ON CNN: Biden administration to accuse Russia of sustained effort to influence 2024 election. https://t.co/n0YRreyCP3
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) September 4, 2024
Others on X wasted no time mocking Acosta’s attempt to revive the long-dead narrative. One user posted, “CNN trying to revive the Russia hoax,” with several laughing emojis, while another sarcastically chimed in, “Russia, Russia, Russia… every lie comes full circle, 360 degrees.” The resurgence of the narrative coincides with growing frustration among many who believe that mainstream media outlets like CNN are recycling old stories to influence the 2024 election in favor of the Democrats. The 2016 allegations of Russian collusion, which overshadowed Trump’s presidency, have left many on the right with a lingering sense of disillusionment.
Despite the swift backlash, Acosta has stood by his claims. CNN’s report, citing unnamed sources, suggested that the Biden administration is preparing to publicly accuse Russia of interference, specifically highlighting the Kremlin’s use of state-run media and online platforms to spread disinformation. The report noted particular concern over RT (formerly Russia Today) as a tool for Russian propaganda aimed at destabilizing U.S. elections.
In 2016, Russia was alleged to have interfered in the presidential election through methods such as social media disinformation campaigns. However, the special counsel investigation led by Robert Mueller found no evidence to charge any American with conspiring with Russia. Also, several media outlets, including CNN, frequently featured Democratic lawmakers who would repeat the unfounded claim of ‘Trump-Russia collusion’ on their airwaves while never pressing them for evidence to back up their claim.
The ‘Russian misinformation’ claim was again advanced ahead of the 2020 election by media outlets and some 50 current and former intelligence community officials after the New York Post published damning information about Joe Biden gleaned from the hard drive of a laptop computer abandoned at a Delaware repair shop by Hunter Biden. Years later, those same news outlets would report that the information was valid.
Disclaimer: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.