In a significant move, ABC News has suspended senior correspondent Terry Moran following a controversial social media post that criticized White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and former President Donald Trump. The incident unfolded on Sunday when Moran posted on X, stating that Miller is "richly endowed with the capacity for hatred," labeling him as a "world-class hater."
Moran's remarks did not stop there; he further criticized Trump, alleging that the former president's expression of hatred serves merely as a means to his own glorification. The post, which was deleted shortly after its publication, has sparked a considerable backlash, leading to Moran's suspension pending further evaluation of the incident.
An ABC News spokesperson confirmed the suspension, emphasizing the network's commitment to objectivity and impartiality in its news coverage. The spokesperson stated, "The post does not reflect the views of ABC News and violated our standards." This statement underscores the importance the network places on maintaining a neutral stance in reporting and avoiding subjective personal attacks.
The White House swiftly responded to Moran's comments. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called Moran's statements "unhinged and unacceptable," indicating a strong disapproval of the correspondent's remarks. In a further escalation, Stephen Miller took to social media to express his disbelief, stating that Moran's "full public meltdown" highlights how privileged anchors and reporters have adopted radical viewpoints while masquerading as journalists.
Vice President JD Vance also weighed in on the issue, describing Moran's post as a "vile smear" against Miller, accusing him of harboring "dripping hatred." Vance defended Miller, asserting that he is motivated by a "love of country" and is concerned about the rules imposed on ordinary Americans by individuals like Moran, who are well-connected.
Terry Moran, who has been with ABC News since 1997, has an extensive background in journalism, covering major events such as the September 11 terrorist attacks and the Iraq War. His interview with Trump in April marked the president's first major broadcast appearance in his second term, showcasing Moran's long-standing presence in political journalism.
Compounding the controversy, in December 2024, ABC News settled a defamation suit with Trump, agreeing to contribute $15 million to his presidential foundation and museum. The lawsuit stemmed from accusations that anchor George Stephanopoulos had acted with malice or a reckless disregard for truth in reporting that a jury found Trump liable for rape in the E. Jean Carroll case, rather than sexual abuse.
The suspension of Terry Moran serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between personal opinion and professional journalism. As ABC News navigates the fallout from this incident, the focus remains on upholding journalistic integrity and maintaining public trust in their news coverage.
