ABC News reporter Terry Moran was fired after calling Stephen Miller a “world-class hater” on social media, marking yet another mainstream media casualty of anti-Trump bias in journalism.
Key Takeaways
- Terry Moran was terminated from ABC News after working there since 1997 following a social media post criticizing Trump official Stephen Miller
- Moran called Miller a “world class hater” who is “richly endowed with the capacity for hatred” in a now-deleted X post
- The firing follows ABC News’ recent $15 million settlement with President Trump over comments made by George Stephanopoulos
- ABC News cited violation of company policies as the reason for not renewing Moran’s contract
- The incident highlights the ongoing struggle between personal expression and professional standards in mainstream media
Another Liberal Journalist Falls Due to Anti-Trump Rhetoric
ABC News has parted ways with veteran correspondent Terry Moran following his suspension for inflammatory comments directed at Trump administration official Stephen Miller on social media platform X. The network confirmed that Moran’s contract, which was coincidentally expiring, would not be renewed after he violated company policies with his post calling Miller a “world class hater” who is “richly endowed with the capacity for hatred.” The timing of this termination is particularly notable as it comes shortly after ABC News paid a $15 million settlement to President Trump over comments made by George Stephanopoulos.
Moran, who had been with ABC News since 1997 and previously served as co-anchor of “Nightline,” deleted the controversial post early Sunday morning, but not before it caught the attention of the Trump administration. The swift action taken by ABC News demonstrates the increasing scrutiny media organizations face regarding their employees’ social media conduct. The network emphasized its commitment to objectivity, fairness, and professionalism in journalism when explaining their decision, reinforcing that even established journalists are not immune to consequences for violating professional standards.
Media Bias Consequences Becoming More Severe
This incident reflects a growing trend in which news organizations are taking more decisive action against employees who express overtly partisan views on social media platforms. Moran’s termination serves as a stark reminder that the line between personal expression and professional conduct has become increasingly blurred in the digital age. For ABC News, the decision likely reflects both a commitment to journalistic standards and a recognition of the financial and reputational damage that can result from perceived bias, as evidenced by their recent settlement with President Trump over George Stephanopoulos’ comments.
The Trump administration’s response to Moran’s comments was swift and predictable. A Trump aide remarked that critics of the president and his staff “get hit,” highlighting the administration’s approach to dealing with perceived media hostility. This statement underscores the contentious relationship between the Trump administration and mainstream media outlets, a dynamic that has persisted throughout President Trump’s time in office and continues to shape the media landscape. The incident adds to the growing evidence that anti-Trump sentiment within major news organizations has real consequences.
Shifting Standards in Journalism
The dismissal of Terry Moran signals a potential shift in how news organizations manage their talent in an era of heightened political polarization. While liberal journalists have historically enjoyed significant latitude to express anti-conservative views without consequence, that latitude appears to be narrowing. ABC News’ decision may reflect a growing recognition among network executives that maintaining even the appearance of objectivity is crucial for their business model and public trust. As Americans increasingly seek out news sources that align with their political viewpoints, traditional networks face mounting pressure to at least maintain the veneer of neutrality.
Moran has not publicly commented on his departure from ABC News, leaving questions about whether he regrets his statements or stands by them. His silence is notable given his long tenure at the network and his prominent role in political coverage. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for journalists across the spectrum about the permanent nature of digital communications and the potential career consequences of expressing partisan views. As the 2025 presidential term unfolds, news organizations will likely continue to grapple with defining appropriate boundaries for their employees’ social media presence.
