CNN anchor Jim Acosta, an irritant to President Donald Trump as a former White House correspondent, says he’s quitting the network rather than accept an offer for a new late-night time slot.

Acosta announced his departure after 18 years Tuesday at the end of his one-hour morning show, telling viewers: “Don’t give in to the lies. Don’t give in to the fear.”

Acosta didn’t specifically tie those sentiments to Trump, but the implication was clear.

CNN says its decision to move Acosta into a time slot to begin at midnight Eastern time had nothing to do with politics.

Earlier, Trump posted on social media that rumors of Acosta leaving were good news, calling him a “major loser who will fail no matter where he ends up.”— Associated Press