Texas Republican says CNN should fire Jim Acosta for being disrespectful to Trump

Texas state Rep. Randy Weber drew harsh criticism Thursday when he suggested CNN senior White House reporter Jim Acosta should be fired for his recent tense exchange with President-elect Donald Trump.

Trump and Acosta engaged in a heated interaction Wednesday during Trump's first press conference since winning the election. After Trump harshly criticized CNN for their coverage of documents detailing alleged Russian intelligence on Trump, Acosta was shot down by Trump as he attempted to ask a follow-up question.

"You're fake news," Trump told Acosta as he moved on to another reporter. "Don't be rude."

Weber, a Republican from Texas House District 14 near Houston, opined that Acosta should be fired for his "disrespectful" behavior toward the president-elect. He also said Acosta should be "prohibited from any press briefings."

The CNN reporter who was disruptive to the press briefing, & disrespectful to Trump-should be fired & prohibited from any press briefings.

— Randy Weber (@TXRandy14) January 12, 2017

CNN host Jake Tapper responded to the statement on Twitter by quoting one of the country's founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson.

"The only security of all is in a free press."

Jefferson to Lafayette, 1823. https://t.co/1dqQdtfcio

— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) January 12, 2017