Sarah Sanders accuses the journalist of "placing his hands on a young woman" during a heated exchange with the president In a statement, press secretary Sarah Sanders took aim at Jim Acosta for "placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern". Responding on Twitter, the White House correspondent said: "This is a lie." In video from the event, the journalist is seen attempting to ask a follow-up question but is repeatedly shut down by the US leader, who says "that's enough" five times. During the exchange, the staff member is seen approaching Mr Acosta before attempting to take the microphone off him. Their arms momentarily come together as the woman tries to take the microphone off him. However, she is unsuccessful as the reporter manages to keep hold of the microphone, telling her: "Pardon me, ma'am." After asking his follow-up question, the staff member takes the microphone off Mr Acosta and hands it to the next journalist. Following the news conference, Ms Sanders said: "President Trump believes in a free press and expects and welcomes tough questions of him and his administration. "We will, however, never tolerate a reporter placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern. "This conduct is absolutely unacceptable. It is also completely disrespectful to the reporter's colleagues not to allow them an opportunity to ask a question." She went on to say Mr Trump had given the media "more access than any president in history" and that "contrary to CNN's assertions, there is no greater demonstration of the president's support for a free press than the event he held today".