Veteran journalist Terry Moran departed from ABC News following a recent controversy sparked by one of his social media remarks. Two days prior, Moran received a suspension for a provocative post directed at Stephen Miller, the deputy chief of staff under the Trump administration, labeling him a “world class hater.”
ABC News announced on Tuesday the termination of its contract with Moran, attributing this decision to the violation of the network’s policies evident in his recent social media activity. This choice, they stated, was influenced significantly by the content of the post, which was construed as a breach of professional decorum.
Moran’s comment quickly drew criticism from the Trump administration, with notable figures such as Vice President JD Vance swiftly rebuking the late-night post. Although the message was hastily removed from the platform, it did not escape the administration’s attention.
Only weeks before the incident, Moran conducted an interview with former President Donald Trump. In his post, he conveyed his belief that Trump’s animosities were directed towards personal aggrandizement, yet suggested Miller’s motivations were rooted in deeper, more intrinsic disdain. “His hatreds are his spiritual nourishment. He eats his hate,” Moran stated of Miller.
Moran, at the age of 65, was a notable figure at ABC News, having joined the network in 1997. His career included a long tenure as a co-anchor for “Nightline,” as well as coverage of the Supreme Court and political sagas. During his recent interview with Trump, aired on prime-time last month, an intense moment arose when the former president accused him of unfairness during a heated discussion over immigration policies.
Unfortunately, the timing of the post coincided disastrously with the end of Moran’s contract, which was set to lapse on Friday. Sources familiar with the situation revealed that these discussions were confidential and the individuals involved wished to remain anonymous.
Moran’s actions were widely seen as a violation of journalistic standards, particularly concerning the expression of personal opinions regarding subjects covered by journalism. The incident unfolded amid a particularly tense period for ABC News, which had recently agreed to a $15 million settlement related to inaccuracies in one of its broadcasts about Trump. This settlement aimed to resolve a defamation case stemming from remarks made by George Stephanopoulos regarding the former president’s legal battles with writer E. Jean Carroll.
In response to Moran’s abrupt departure, Trump aide Steven Cheung issued a candid comment, noting that those who disparage the president and his associates face repercussions.