Re: Jim Acosta
what authority does the intern possess to be able to determine how long each speaker is allowed to use the mic
Based on what I observed in the video provided on this thread.
I would say, the intern does not actually possess any personal authority to determine how long each speaker is allowed to use the microphone.
The Authority Figure in that room is The President of the United States of America.
I saw several reporters with their hands raised to be recognized and waiting to be called upon by the President in order to take their turn to ask him a question.
The President recognized and called upon another reporter instead of Jim Acosta.
That reporter stood up to ask his question.
Jim Acosta's turn with the microphone was over. That is when the intern tried to do her work. Her work to take the microphone from Jim Acosta to share that microphone with the standing reporter. The next reporter acknowledged by The President that it was his turn to ask his question.
Jim Acosta rudely refused to allow the intern to do her work when he kept the microphone for himself. Ignoring the other reporter who was standing and waiting for his turn to use that microphone.
Jim Acosta kept resisting the intern's ability to accomplish her work of taking temporary possession of the microphone in order to give the microphone to the standing and waiting reporter.
The Authority Figure in that room then turned around, left the lectern and started to leave the room.
That was the precise point in time when Jim Acosta allowed the intern to take the microphone from him thus enabling her to complete her work via giving the standing and waiting reporter the microphone.
What authority you ask...
I would say, it was The President of The United States via his actions without a word that caused Jim Acosta to finally relinquish that microphone to the intern which he kept rudely resisting and the standing and waiting reporter he ignored, in order to continue his turn, in spite of the fact that his turn with the microphone was over.
imho Roseann
P.S. If, you don't like my answer...
The following link provides an email for general inquires about the White House Internship Program.
Perhaps you can ask your question and get the answer you seek.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/internships/