U.S. Congressman From Texas Calls For Firing Of CNN Reporter After Tense Exchange With Trump

AUSTIN, TX — A Texas Republican member of Congress is calling for the firing of a CNN reporter who had a terse exchange with Donald Trump during the president-elect's Wednesday press conference.

U.S. Rep. Randy Weber, R-Alvin, tweeted out his call to fire Jim Acosta, who covers the White House for CNN. The reporter and Trump had an uncomfortable exchange during Trump's first press conference in New York City—his first since late July—when Trump refused to answer the reporter's question related to Russia's suspected intervention in the November elections.

"Your organization is terrible," Trump bellowed at Acosta, calling his news network as a purveyor of "fake news." Acosta repeatedly attempted to get his question in despite Trump's refusals, yielding a tense give-and-take between both men until Acosta relented.

Trump also was upset about CNN's reporting of a Russian dossier purportedly containing embarrassing details of Trump's after-hours behavior. The online publication Buzzfeed released details of the dossier, framing it as an attempt by the Russians to blackmail Trump in an effort to manipulate him.

In his Thursday tweet, Weber categorized Acosta's behavior as "disruptive" and "disrespectful," writing that the reporter owed Trump and his colleagues an apology for his behavior in attempting to question Trump. The president-elect's spokesman, Sean Spicer, also called for Acosta to apologize the night after the press conference, labeling the reporter's behavior as "inappropriate and disrespectful."

Weber goes further, suggesting Acosta should not only apologize but be banned from participating in future, Trump-staged press briefings.

Weber has represented the 14th congressional district of Texas since 2013, succeeding Ron Paul. He was formerly a member of the Texas House of Representatives serving the state's 29th district. Weber's district encompasses the area south and southwest of the greater Houston region, including Galveston.

>>> Official photo of U.S. Rep. Randy Weber via Twitter