Journalist Terry Moran Dismissed by ABC Following Criticism of Trump Administration
ABC has ended the employment of Terry Moran following the journalist’s public criticism of President Donald Trump.
“We have reached the conclusion of our agreement with Terry Moran. His recent post was a clear violation of ABC News policies, leading us to decide against renewing his contract,” a network spokesperson stated on Tuesday, June 10. “At ABC News, we expect our reporters to uphold the highest standards of objectivity, fairness, and professionalism, and we remain dedicated to providing clear, trustworthy journalism.”
The 65-year-old reporter had previously been suspended for a social media post concerning the president’s homeland security adviser and deputy chief of staff for policy, Stephen Miller.
Moran referred to both Miller and Trump, 78, as “world-class hater[s]” in a now-deleted post on X.
“Miller is a man exceptionally endowed with the ability to hate. He’s a world-class hater. Just by looking at him, you can see that his hatreds serve as his spiritual nourishment. He consumes his hate,” Moran wrote. “Trump is also a world-class hater, but his hatred serves merely as a means to his own glorification [sic]. That is his spiritual sustenance.”
In response to the criticism, White House press secretary Karoline Leavit stated on X earlier this month, “This is unhinged and unacceptable. We have contacted @ABC to ask how they intend to hold Terry accountable.”
ABC News acknowledged that Moran had been “suspended pending further evaluation.” The network emphasized its commitment to objectivity and impartiality in news coverage, stating that it does not condone personal attacks and that the post does not reflect ABC News’ views or standards.
Moran and Trump previously engaged in a tense exchange during a sit-down interview in the Oval Office after Trump’s first 100 days in office during his second term. Last month’s broadcast turned awkward as they discussed issues like the economy, immigration, and foreign policy.
“I chose you [for this interview] because, honestly, I had never heard of you, but that’s alright,” Trump remarked to Moran. “But I picked you, Terry, and you’re not being very nice.”
Moran has a noteworthy career as he served as Chief White House Correspondent from 1999 to 2005, coanchor of ABC’s Nightline from 2005 to 2013, and Chief Foreign Correspondent from 2013 to 2018 before taking on the role of Senior National Correspondent.
