ABC News To Veteran Correspondent Terry Moran: "You're Fired"

ABC News has ended its relationship with veteran correspondent Terry Moran following a provocative post on X where he labeled President Donald Trump and deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller as “world-class haters.” The decision, announced on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, comes just two days after Moran’s post sparked widespread backlash and violated the network’s editorial standards.

According to an ABC News spokesperson, Moran’s contract was nearing its expiration on Friday, June 13, 2025. The network opted not to renew it, citing his post as “a clear violation of ABC News policies.” The spokesperson emphasized, “At ABC News, we uphold the highest standards of objectivity, fairness, and professionalism. We are committed to delivering trusted, straightforward journalism that informs our audience without bias.”

Moran, a seasoned journalist who recently interviewed President Trump in the Oval Office on April 29, 2025, has been a prominent figure at ABC News. As a former anchor of Nightline and the network’s senior national correspondent, he has covered major political and international stories for over two decades. High-profile correspondents like Moran typically sign multi-year contracts, making the timing of his contract’s end a key factor in ABC’s swift decision to part ways.

On Sunday, June 8, 2025, Moran posted a scathing commentary on X, accusing Trump of using hatred as “a means to an end” for “his own glorification” and describing Miller’s hatred as his “spiritual nourishment.” The post, which Moran quickly deleted, drew immediate attention from colleagues, viewers, and Trump administration officials. ABC News staff were reportedly shocked by the uncharacteristic breach of journalistic neutrality from a reporter known for his measured reporting.

The backlash was swift. Trump administration officials, including press secretary Karoline Leavitt, condemned the post as “unhinged and unacceptable” and demanded Moran’s suspension or termination. White House communications director Steven Cheung later commented on X, using a modified version of a phrase associated with Trump’s rhetoric about Los Angeles protests: “Talk sh*t, get hit.” The original slogan, “They spit, we hit,” has been used by Trump to address unrest in the city.

ABC’s Response and Industry Reaction

Within hours of the post, ABC News suspended Moran, stating that his comments “violated our standards” and did not represent the network’s views. By Tuesday, the decision to not renew his contract was finalized, effectively ending his tenure at ABC.

The incident has ignited a polarized debate. Pro-Trump commentators and columnists argued that Moran’s remarks warranted immediate dismissal, accusing him of abandoning journalistic integrity. Conversely, some anti-Trump writers and media figures defended Moran, framing his comments as a bold critique of powerful figures. One X post from a prominent media critic lamented that Moran was “suspended for speaking truth about power,” while others criticized ABC for caving to political pressure.

Moran’s departure highlights the challenges news organizations face in maintaining impartiality in a highly polarized media landscape. ABC News, like other major networks, enforces strict guidelines to ensure reporters remain objective, particularly when covering divisive political figures. Moran’s post, though deleted, crossed a line by offering personal opinions rather than factual reporting, prompting the network to act decisively.

The timing of the incident—near the end of Moran’s contract—likely facilitated ABC’s ability to take prompt action without breaching a long-term agreement. However, the decision has raised questions about the balance between free speech and journalistic responsibility. Some industry observers note that Moran’s high-profile status and recent access to Trump for an exclusive interview may have amplified the scrutiny on his remarks.

Moran has not yet publicly commented on his exit.