ABC News suspended senior national correspondent Terry Moran on June 8, 2025, after he posted a critical assessment of President Donald Trump and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller on social media platform X. The post, which Moran later deleted, described both Trump and Miller as world-class haters and violated the network’s standards for objectivity.
Moran’s post went live shortly after midnight on Sunday, targeting Miller’s role in the Trump administration. He characterized Miller as someone who operates not on brains but on bile, describing him as richly endowed with the capacity for hatred. The veteran correspondent wrote that Miller’s hatreds serve as his spiritual nourishment, adding that he eats his hate.
Regarding Trump, Moran indicated that while the president is also a world-class hater, his hatred serves only as a means to an end – his own glorification. The ABC journalist suggested this hatred constitutes Trump’s spiritual nourishment.
The Trump administration swiftly condemned Moran’s commentary. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt publicly demanded accountability from ABC News, reaching out to the network to inquire about disciplinary measures. On Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” Leavitt described the post as unacceptable and unhinged, expressing hope that the journalist would be suspended or terminated.
Vice President JD Vance also criticized Moran’s assessment, calling it an absolutely vile smear dripping with hatred. Vance defended Miller’s character, stating that he knows Miller well and describing him as motivated by love of country rather than hate. The Vice President called for ABC News to apologize for what he termed a disgraceful post.
Miller responded to the criticism by characterizing Moran’s post as a full public meltdown that reveals the true nature of corporate press in America. He suggested that privileged anchors and reporters have been radicals adopting a journalist’s pose for decades, claiming that Moran had pulled off his mask.
Within hours of the White House criticism, ABC News announced Moran’s suspension. A network spokesperson stated that “ABC News stands for objectivity and impartiality in its news coverage and does not condone subjective personal attacks on others.” The suspension is pending further evaluation, with the network clarifying that Moran’s post violated their standards.
Internal reaction at ABC News has been notably negative, according to sources familiar with the situation. Multiple network staffers expressed anger over Moran’s actions, with some calling for his termination. One insider indicated that colleagues are upset with Moran for damaging the network’s standing, arguing that his post validated Trump’s criticisms of media bias.
The suspension undermines efforts by ABC News President Debra OConnell to improve relations with the Trump administration. Network executives had made trips to West Palm Beach, Florida, and held meetings with Trump officials in recent months, including discussions in December following the network’s $15 million settlement of a defamation lawsuit.
That earlier controversy involved anchor George Stephanopoulos, who incorrectly stated that Trump had been found guilty of rape in the E. Jean Carroll case. The court had actually found Trump guilty of sexual assault, not rape – a significant legal distinction that prompted the costly settlement and apparent efforts to rebuild relationships with the administration.
Moran’s background includes nearly three decades with ABC News, joining the network in 1997. The 65-year-old journalist previously served as co-anchor of “Nightline” and has covered eight presidential campaign cycles. His recent work included securing a coveted interview with Trump in April, which initially appeared to enhance his standing within the network.
Sources suggest that Moran had developed close ties with ABC News Vice President and Washington bureau chief Rick Klein. He had reportedly ingratiated himself by expressing Trump-friendly views about the importance of unbiased coverage, which aligned with White House criticisms of left-leaning networks.
The April interview itself proved contentious, with Trump telling Moran he agreed to the sit-down because he had never heard of him. However, sources indicate the selection process was more complex, involving conversations between Trump officials and the network about potential interviewers, with Moran chosen based on his national reporting experience and White House coverage background.
Financial considerations may influence ABC’s final decision regarding Moran’s employment. Sources familiar with network operations suggest that a senior correspondent of Moran’s experience level likely earns between $600,000 and $900,000 annually. His termination could provide significant budget relief for ABC News as parent company Disney implements broader cost-cutting measures.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and mainstream media organizations. Miller, often described as the architect of Trump’s immigration policies, has been the subject of frequent criticism, including a 2020 book titled “Hatemonger” that documented his ties to far-right groups. However, Moran’s departure from traditional journalistic objectivity in his social media commentary represents an unusual breach of professional standards for a network correspondent.
The suspension reflects broader challenges facing news organizations as they navigate coverage of the Trump administration while maintaining journalistic credibility. ABC’s swift disciplinary action appears designed to preserve relationships with the White House while upholding stated commitments to impartial reporting. The network’s response suggests recognition that Moran’s commentary crossed established boundaries for acceptable journalistic conduct.
