Jim Acosta, the outspoken CNN anchor known for his frequent clashes with former President Donald Trump, was notably left off the network’s new weekday programming lineup announced Thursday. His 10 a.m. ET show, which had been a fixture on CNN, was replaced by The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown, signaling a shift in the network's approach.

Over the past few years, CNN has frequently adjusted its roster, but this latest change leaves Acosta in a more uncertain position. His combative style, particularly during Trump’s presidency, made him a prominent figure on CNN. Known for his fiery exchanges with Trump’s press secretaries and direct confrontations with the president himself, Acosta gained national recognition for standing his ground. His confrontations often made him a target of Trump’s supporters but earned him a reputation as a staunch defender of the free press.

Acosta’s adversarial relationship with the Trump administration clearly paid off, as it earned him a book deal and a regular spot on liberal late-night shows, boosting his profile. This growing popularity led to his transition to a weekday anchor position under President Biden’s administration. He recently took the opportunity to remind viewers that the press is "not the enemy of the people," making a pointed remark at Trump’s attacks on the media.

However, the shakeup also revealed CNN’s intention to recalibrate its programming. Reports surfaced that CNN CEO Mark Thompson had proposed moving Acosta’s show to a midnight slot, which would significantly diminish his visibility in the network's daily schedule. This shift could signal a strategic move by CNN’s new leadership to appear more neutral in the post-Trump era, especially as they seek to adjust their editorial direction.

Other changes in CNN’s lineup include Jake Tapper's move to a two-hour slot from 5-7 p.m. ET, positioning him in a high-profile evening spot. Meanwhile, the network’s primetime lineup with Anderson Cooper, Kaitlan Collins, and Abby Phillip remains unchanged from 8-11 p.m. ET, signaling that CNN is leaning on its established strengths in the evening while reworking its daytime programming.

The decision to sideline Acosta reflects broader changes at CNN and the network’s shift towards more neutral coverage. While Acosta’s aggressive approach to the Trump administration made him a defining figure at CNN, it’s unclear if the network will continue to embrace this confrontational style going forward, especially with leadership seeking to adjust its tone in the post-Trump media landscape. His removal from the lineup raises questions about his future at CNN, and what direction the network’s coverage will take moving into the next chapter.