On June 10, 2025, ABC News announced it would not renew the contract of veteran correspondent Terry Moran following a controversial social media post in which he called President Donald Trump and deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller “world-class haters.” The decision, which came just two days after Moran’s suspension, has sparked debate about journalistic ethics and the consequences of expressing personal opinions in the public sphere.
The Post That Sparked the Controversy
In a late-night post on X, timestamped early Sunday, June 8, 2025, Moran described Stephen Miller, a key figure in the Trump administration known for his hardline immigration policies, as a “world-class hater” whose “hatreds are his spiritual nourishment.” He went on to say, “He eats his hate.” Moran also labeled President Trump a “world-class hater,” but suggested that Trump’s hatred serves his pursuit of personal glorification, unlike Miller’s, which he portrayed as an end in itself. The post was quickly deleted, but not before it drew significant attention from Trump administration officials and the public.
The Trump administration, including Vice President JD Vance and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, swiftly condemned Moran’s remarks. White House communications director Steven Cheung responded with a provocative comment on X, stating, “Talk sh*t, get hit,” echoing a threatening slogan used by Trump in another context. The backlash prompted ABC News to suspend Moran on Sunday, citing a violation of the network’s standards of objectivity, fairness, and professionalism.
ABC News’ Response and Decision
On Tuesday, June 10, ABC News confirmed that Moran’s contract, set to expire on Friday, would not be renewed. “We are at the end of our agreement with Terry Moran and based on his recent post — which was a clear violation of ABC News policies — we have made the decision to not renew,” an ABC News spokesperson said. The network emphasized its commitment to “delivering straightforward, trusted journalism” and holding reporters to the “highest standards.”
Moran’s post was seen as a breach of traditional journalistic ethics, which prioritize neutrality and discourage reporters from publicly expressing personal opinions about their subjects. The timing of the incident was particularly sensitive for ABC News, which had recently settled a defamation lawsuit with President Trump for $15 million in December 2024, following an inaccurate claim by anchor George Stephanopoulos.
Moran’s Career at ABC News
Terry Moran, 65, has been a prominent figure at ABC News since joining the network in 1997. Over his nearly three-decade career, he served as a co-anchor of Nightline, chief foreign correspondent, and senior national correspondent, leading coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court and national politics. Just six weeks before his departure, Moran conducted a high-profile interview with President Trump in the Oval Office, during which the president remarked, “You’re not being very nice,” amid a tense discussion about deportations.
Moran’s colleagues at ABC were reportedly stunned by his post, which marked a rare departure from his reputation as a seasoned and professional journalist. His exit has left many reflecting on the pressures journalists face in maintaining objectivity in an increasingly polarized media landscape.
Public and Political Reactions
The response to Moran’s post and subsequent departure from ABC News has been sharply divided. Pro-Trump commentators argued that Moran’s remarks warranted his termination, viewing them as evidence of bias in mainstream media. Conversely, some anti-Trump writers defended Moran, suggesting he was unfairly punished for speaking “truth about power.” The controversy underscores the challenges journalists face in navigating personal expression on social media platforms like X, where opinions can quickly escalate into professional repercussions.
A Broader Context
Moran’s departure comes at a time of heightened scrutiny for ABC News and other media outlets. The network’s recent legal settlement with Trump and the broader political climate have amplified tensions between journalists and the subjects they cover. For Moran, whose contract was already nearing its end, the timing of his post proved particularly consequential.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, Moran’s case serves as a reminder of the fine line journalists walk between personal expression and professional responsibility. While Moran has not publicly commented on his exit, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about the role of objectivity in journalism and the consequences of crossing that line.
