In a move reflecting the heightened tensions between media organizations and political figures, ABC News suspended senior national correspondent Terry Moran following his critical social media post about Stephen Miller and President Donald Trump. Moran had posted on X (formerly Twitter), describing Miller as “a man who is richly endowed with the capacity for hatred” and accusing Trump of being a “world-class hater.” His comments, which have since been deleted, prompted a swift response from ABC, emphasizing the importance of objectivity and impartiality in journalism.
“ABC News stands for objectivity and impartiality in its news coverage and does not condone subjective personal attacks on others,” an ABC spokesperson stated. “The post does not reflect the views of ABC News and violated our standards — as a result, Terry Moran has been suspended pending further evaluation.” Moran’s comments drew sharp criticism from White House officials, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt condemning the post as “unhinged and unacceptable.” The White House had also contacted ABC to express concerns over Moran’s social media activity.
Vice President JD Vance added his voice to the criticism, describing Moran’s post as “an absolutely vile smear” and asserting that Miller is motivated by patriotism and love for the country. Vance further called on ABC to issue a public apology for the controversy.
Moran, who joined ABC News in 1997, has held numerous roles including co-anchor of “Nightline” and White House correspondent. His career has also included covering eight presidential campaigns, and he notably interviewed Donald Trump in April about his first 100 days in office.
This incident underscores the ongoing conflicts between media outlets and political figures, especially amid a climate of heightened scrutiny and criticism. Historically, ABC News has faced its share of controversies, including a $15 million settlement over comments made by another anchor, George Stephanopoulos, related to then-President Trump.
The suspension of Moran highlights the delicate balance news organizations must maintain in covering politically charged topics without crossing into subjective commentary. It also raises questions about the boundaries of free speech for journalists working within the constraints of journalistic standards.
As the situation unfolds, both ABC News and other media entities continue to navigate the complex landscape of political reporting and social media accountability. How news organizations handle such incidents may influence public trust and the future of journalism in politically sensitive environments.
