ABC News just tossed its senior national correspondent, Terry Moran, into hot water for a late-night X post that crossed the line. The veteran reporter, known for his political coverage, took a swipe at White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, and it cost him, as Variety reports. This isn’t just a slap on the wrist -- it’s a wake-up call for journalists who blur the line between reporting and ranting.
Moran’s post, deleted after sparking backlash, labeled Miller a “world-class hater” driven by “bile” rather than brains. The Sunday midnight missive described Miller as a key figure shaping Trump’s policies. In one fell swoop, Moran traded objectivity for a personal attack, and ABC wasn’t amused.
“ABC News stands for objectivity and impartiality,” an ABC spokesperson declared. That’s a polite way of saying Moran’s post was a journalistic foul. Suspended pending review, Moran’s career now hangs in the balance for a tweet that reads more like a Reddit rant than a newsroom dispatch.
Moran’s X post didn’t just criticize Miller -- it painted him as a villain who “eats his hate.” This wasn’t analysis; it was a character assassination. For a reporter who once landed a well-received interview with Trump, this lapse in judgment stings.
“Miller is one of the people who conceptualizes the impulses of the Trumpist movement,” Moran wrote. Fine, that’s a defensible take. But calling Miller’s hatred his “spiritual nourishment” isn’t reporting—it’s a soapbox sermon that undermines ABC’s credibility.
The post violated ABC’s standards, and for good reason. Newsrooms aren’t platforms for personal vendettas. Moran’s outburst shows why conservatives distrust corporate media, which often cloaks bias in the guise of journalism.
Miller didn’t sit quietly. On Sunday morning, he fired back on X, calling Moran’s post a “full public meltdown” that exposes the “radical” press. Miller’s response was sharp, framing Moran as a privileged anchor hiding behind a journalist’s mask.
“The most important fact about Terry’s meltdown is what it shows about the corporate press,” Miller wrote. He’s not wrong -- Moran’s post reeks of the elitism conservatives rail against. When reporters trade facts for feelings, trust in the media erodes further.
Vice President JD Vance also leapt to Miller’s defense. “I know [Miller] quite well, and I know he is motivated by love of country,” Vance posted. He argued Miller fights against rules that favor the well-connected, a point that resonates with Trump’s base.
ABC, backed by Disney, is no stranger to controversy. Last December, Disney paid $15 million to settle a defamation suit from Trump after anchor George Stephanopoulos misstated facts about a civil case involving E. Jean Carroll. That settlement looms large as ABC grapples with Moran’s misstep.
Carroll’s case against Trump, where she prevailed despite his denials, was a legal win but a PR mess. Stephanopoulos’ error fueled perceptions of bias, and now Moran’s post adds fuel to the fire. ABC’s pattern of slip-ups invites scrutiny from conservatives who smell agenda-driven reporting.
The Trump administration’s exclusion of outlets like the Associated Press from events signals a broader war on perceived media bias. Moran’s post hands Trump’s team fresh ammunition. It’s a self-inflicted wound for a network already on thin ice.
Trump’s legal volleys extend beyond ABC. He’s suing Paramount Global over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris, alleging deceptive editing. Experts call the suit flimsy, but Paramount’s settlement talks suggest its executives are rattled.
Paramount, navigating a Skydance Media acquisition, can’t afford prolonged fights. Trump’s lawsuits, even if weak, keep media giants on edge. Moran’s post, while unrelated, fits into this tense landscape where every misstep is magnified.
Moran’s suspension should be a lesson: journalists must stick to facts, not feelings. His attack on Miller wasn’t just unprofessional -- it was a gift to those who argue the press is out of touch. ABC’s swift response shows it knows the stakes, but the damage is done.
