ABC News abruptly terminated Terry Moran’s 27-year career after he called Trump official Stephen Miller a “world class hater” on social media, revealing the network’s growing sensitivity to anti-Trump commentary as President Trump begins his new term.
Key Takeaways
- Terry Moran was let go from ABC News after 27 years following a social media post criticizing Trump official Stephen Miller as a “world class hater”
- ABC News cited violation of company policies for not renewing Moran’s contract, which coincidentally expired amid the controversy
- The termination follows ABC’s recent $15 million settlement with Trump over comments by George Stephanopoulos, suggesting a pattern of accountability for anti-Trump rhetoric
- Moran’s post, which also criticized President Trump, was quickly deleted but not before causing significant backlash
- ABC emphasized its commitment to journalistic objectivity and professionalism when announcing its decision
Crossing the Line: The Post That Ended a Career
The controversy began when Terry Moran, a veteran ABC News correspondent since 1997 and former co-anchor of “Nightline,” posted inflammatory comments about Stephen Miller on X (formerly Twitter). In the now-deleted post, Moran described Miller as “richly endowed with the capacity for hatred” and a “world class hater,” while also directing criticism toward President Trump. Although Moran quickly deleted the post early Sunday morning, the damage was already done, leading to his immediate suspension and eventual dismissal from the network.
ABC News initially responded by suspending Moran, citing violations of company policy regarding social media conduct. However, the network later announced it would not be renewing his contract, effectively ending his 27-year tenure. This decision notably coincided with Moran’s contract expiration, providing ABC a convenient opportunity to part ways with the controversial correspondent without the complications of an outright firing. The network emphasized its commitment to objectivity, fairness, and professionalism in journalism when explaining the decision.
Pattern of Accountability for Anti-Trump Commentary
Moran’s dismissal comes at a particularly sensitive time for ABC News, which recently settled a defamation lawsuit with President Trump for $15 million. That case stemmed from comments made by ABC host George Stephanopoulos. The proximity of these two incidents suggests ABC may be implementing a stricter approach to policing anti-Trump commentary among its staff, particularly as President Trump begins his new administration. The Trump administration swiftly condemned Moran’s post, with one Trump aide ominously commenting that critics of the president and his staff “get hit.”
The incident has sparked debate within media circles about the appropriate boundaries for journalists on social media platforms. While news organizations have traditionally expected their reporters to maintain a facade of objectivity, the immediacy and personal nature of social media has repeatedly challenged these norms. Moran’s case demonstrates the substantial consequences that can follow when journalists allow personal political opinions to become public, especially when those opinions target members of the current administration.
Media Accountability in the Trump Era
Moran has not publicly commented on his dismissal, maintaining silence since deleting the controversial post. His abrupt departure from ABC News after nearly three decades highlights the precarious position that journalists find themselves in when navigating the intersection of personal opinion and professional responsibility. For conservative Americans who have long complained about media bias against President Trump, Moran’s termination represents a rare instance of accountability within mainstream media organizations.
The incident serves as a stark reminder that even veteran journalists with decades of experience are not immune to the consequences of violating network policies on impartiality. As President Trump’s new term unfolds, media organizations appear to be recalibrating their approach to coverage, with ABC News taking a firm stance that inflammatory personal attacks against administration officials will not be tolerated, regardless of a journalist’s seniority or reputation within the organization.
