ABC News correspondent Terry Moran has been suspended and later let go from the network after sharing harsh criticism of President Donald Trump and senior adviser Stephen Miller on social media. Moran’s posts described Trump as a “world-class hater” and Miller as “a man who is richly endowed with the capacity for hatred”. These comments were made on X, formerly known as Twitter, and were later deleted. However, screenshots had already been shared widely, sparking controversy.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt condemned Moran’s remarks, calling them “unhinged and unacceptable”. Vice President JD Vance also weighed in, labeling Moran’s comments as “an absolutely vile smear” of Stephen Miller. The controversy led to ABC News releasing a statement explaining their decision to part ways with Moran, citing a clear violation of their policies.
ABC News emphasized their commitment to delivering “straightforward, trusted journalism” and upholding the highest standards of objectivity, fairness, and professionalism. Moran, on the other hand, has moved on to Substack, an online media platform where users can share content and connect with subscribers. He expressed enthusiasm about his new venture, stating, “I’m here with you on Substack, this amazing space, and I can’t wait to get at it. To get at the important work that we all have to do in this time of such trouble for our country”.
As a senior national correspondent for ABC News, Moran covered the White House, Supreme Court, and presidential campaigns. He had previously shared his political insights and predictions, including forecasting Trump’s 2016 win. Moran framed Trump as a nationalist figure rather than a conventional politician. The controversy surrounding Moran’s posts comes on the heels of ABC News’ recent $15 million defamation settlement with Trump over anchor George Stephanopoulos’s comments regarding a civil sexual abuse ruling.
The incident highlights the challenges journalists face in maintaining objectivity and adhering to network policies in today’s polarized media landscape. Moran’s move to Substack may offer him more freedom to express his views, but it also raises questions about the role of journalists in shaping public discourse. As the media landscape continues to evolve, the boundaries between objective reporting and personal opinion will likely remain a topic of debate.
