Acclaimed US journalist Jim Acosta announced for Kennedy Summer School

James Cox

The Kennedy Summer School has announced that acclaimed American journalist and author Jim Acosta will be a featured guest speaker at this year’s event, taking place in New Ross, Co Wexford, from August 28th to 30th.

On Saturday afternoon, August 30th, former CNN chief White House correspondent Jim Acosta will take part in a conversation with Dr Stacey Connaughton of Purdue University.

Renowned for his distinguished career in journalism, Mr Acosta gained national recognition as CNN’s chief White House correspondent, where his rigorous questioning and high-profile exchanges with president Donald Trump made headlines worldwide.

Mr Acosta joined CNN in 2007 after beginning his career in local radio and television and with CBS News, where he covered issues including the 2004 presidential election, the Iraq War and Hurricane Katrina.

He covered Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton’s campaigns for the 2008 presidential election at the beginning of his time at CNN before becoming a national political correspondent and covering Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign. He was promoted to senior White House correspondent during Mr Obama’s second term as president, then became chief White House correspondent in 2018, during Donald Trump’s first term as president.

Mr Acosta now hosts The Jim Acosta Show on Substack and YouTube.

His participation in the Kennedy Summer School will offer attendees a unique opportunity to hear his reflections on journalism, American politics, and the challenges facing democracy today.

The 2025 Kennedy Summer School opens on Thursday, August 28th, with a Schools STEM Event at the JFK Arboretum featuring Veronica Campbell, and Ciarán Seoighe, and Dr Charles Larkin moderated by Prof Patrick Prendergast. That afternoon, Seán O’Rourke will host a Tea Party with music by Sharon Clancy, compered by Seán Connick.

The official opening that evening at St Michael’s Theatre will be led by Eileen Dunne, followed by a screening and discussion of From That Small Island with Prof Bríona Nic Dhiarmada, Prof Jane Ohlmeyer, Brian Murphy, and Colm Mac Con Iomaire.

Friday includes a Great Gatsby centenary session with Prof Kirk Curnutt. A "senior government figure will speak at the Speakers' Lunch".

Panels follow on local journalism (Alan Corcoran, Brenda Power, Jessica O’Connor, Dave O’Connell, Bill Forry) and the Noel Whelan Interview with Colm Tóibín and Sinéad McSweeney. The day ends with 'President Trump & Us' moderated by Tony Connelly.