ABC News has parted ways with Terry Moran, a seasoned journalist with the network, after he engaged in a contentious social media exchange targeting President Donald Trump and his adviser Stephen Miller. The incident, which took place on the evening of June 10, 2025, resulted in a violation of the news organization's standards for impartial reporting, culminating in Moran's nearly 30-year broadcast journalism career coming to an abrupt end.
Moran's post, described by some as a meltdown, included harsh language directed at Miller, referring to him as a "world-class hater" who feeds on hate. The comments quickly spurred a whirlwind of reactions, with screenshots of the deleted rant spreading widely across the internet, even reaching the official account of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. In the wake of the backlash, ABC News suspended Moran pending an evaluation and later confirmed his termination, citing the end of their agreement and the clear policy breach as reasons for the decision.
The network has emphasized its dedication to "objectivity, fairness, and professionalism" in the face of this controversy. This stance is particularly significant given the network's recent history, which includes a $15 million libel settlement paid to Trump following an unrelated on-air defamation claim reported by the Daily Mail.
Amidst the fallout, high-profile figures like Stephen Miller and Vice President JD Vance publicly addressed Moran's comments. Miller characterized the outburst as a moment of truth for the media, suggesting that many journalists are radicals posing as objective reporters. Vance called for an apology from ABC to Miller, branding the statement as a "vile smear."
Moran, 65, has had a distinguished career in journalism, serving as ABC's Chief White House Correspondent and later as Chief Foreign Correspondent. His work has been recognized with accolades such as the White House Correspondents’ Merriman Smith Award and a Peabody Award. However, his dismissal underscores the delicate line media professionals must walk between personal expression and adherence to journalistic standards, especially in today's charged political climate.
The incident also points to larger trends within media and politics, highlighting the intense scrutiny and expectations of balance and lack of bias that journalists face in the contemporary news environment. Moran's departure serves as a cautionary tale for media figures navigating the intersection of personal belief and professional obligation.
