Controversial former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski on Friday resigned from his position as a CNN commentator, the network reported.
A CNN spokesman later confirmed the resignation to NBC News. The hiring of Lewandowski raised eyebrows among some watchers, who accused Lewandowski of disrespect for a free press while running the Trump campaign.
Lewandowski was fired from his role with the campaign in June after being accused of assaulting then-Breitbart reporter Michelle Fields. Fields said that as she tried to ask Trump a question, Lewandowski grabbed her arm and yanked her, leaving bruises and nearly causing her to fall.
CNN President Jeff Zucker has defended hiring Lewandowski, telling Variety in August: "I think it’s really important to have voices on CNN who are supportive of the Republican nominee," and noting that other networks were looking at hiring him as well.
Lewandowski’s resignation comes days after Trump defied polls and won the presidential election. Lewandowski did not return a call seeking comment.
Lewandowski was seen in the lobby of Trump Tower Friday, where the Trump transition team has been meeting.
