The White House has sharply condemned former CNN correspondent Jim Acosta after he made controversial remarks about Ivana Trump, the late ex-wife of former President Donald Trump, during a recent podcast appearance.
Appearing on The Contrarian with Jennifer Rubin, Acosta criticized Trump’s immigration policies and made a provocative joke referencing Ivana Trump, an immigrant from Czechoslovakia who passed away in 2022 and is buried at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
“How many immigrants has he married? He’s got one buried at his golf course in New Jersey,” Acosta quipped, prompting laughter from the hosts. He continued sarcastically, “Immigrants always doing the jobs Americans don’t want to do,” referencing Ivana’s burial near the golf course.
Acosta also questioned the lack of immigration enforcement at Trump-owned properties, saying, “Where are the ICE raids at the Trump properties? Give me a break.”
The comments sparked immediate backlash. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called Acosta “a disgraceful human being” in a statement to Fox News Digital, denouncing the remarks as deeply inappropriate and disrespectful.
Ivana Trump, mother to Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric Trump, died in 2022 and was laid to rest on the Bedminster property, a decision that drew attention at the time.
Acosta, who left CNN in early 2025, was known for his combative reporting during Trump’s presidency. Since departing the network, he has continued his outspoken criticism of the former president through independent media platforms.
The incident coincides with renewed national tensions over immigration enforcement. In Los Angeles, widespread protests have erupted in response to ongoing ICE raids, resulting in over 575 arrests and several injuries, according to LAPD reports. Demonstrators have clashed with police, using fireworks and setting fires—further fuelling the polarised debate over U.S. immigration policy.