ABC News is terminating its relationship with veteran correspondent Terry Moran, just two days after he shared a post on X that branded President Donald Trump and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller as ‘world-class haters.’
The network announced on Tuesday that Moran’s contract was nearing its expiration, and cited the recent post as a ‘clear violation of ABC News policies,’ which led to the decision not to renew his contract.
An ABC News spokesperson emphasized, ‘At ABC News, we hold all of our reporters to the highest standards of objectivity, fairness and professionalism, and we remain committed to delivering straightforward, trusted journalism.’
Moran, who had interviewed Trump in the Oval Office just six weeks prior, was under a multi-year contract typical for such prominent correspondents. However, the timing of his contract expiration—set for Friday—allowed for expeditious action from the network.
Colleagues of Moran expressed surprise when he posted and subsequently deleted the scathing commentary on Sunday. In his post, he stated that for Trump, hatred serves as ‘only a means to an end, and that end is his own glorification. That’s his spiritual nourishment.’ He also accused Miller of deriving his ‘spiritual nourishment’ from ‘hatreds.’
ABC executives acted quickly, and Trump administration officials publicly urged the network to impose disciplinary measures against Moran. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described his comments as ‘unhinged and unacceptable.’
Within hours of the post’s publication, ABC announced Moran’s suspension, asserting that it ‘violated our standards’ and did not represent ABC News’ viewpoints.
Reactions to Moran’s suspension were largely polarized; pro-Trump commentators argued for his termination, while others criticized the decision, championing his right to voice ‘truth about power.’
In response to Moran’s exit, White House Communications Director Steven Cheung made a pointed remark on X: ‘Talk sh*t, get hit,’ echoing a phrase often used by Trump in reference to protests.
Moran, who has served as ABC’s senior national correspondent and previously anchored ‘Nightline,’ has not yet commented publicly on the situation.