ABC Suspends Veteran Correspondent Terry Moran After ‘Hater’ Post Draws Trump Administration Backlash

By Jessica Mcfadyen Last updated Jun 8, 2025

This incident adds tension to an already strained relationship between ABC News and the Trump-aligned White House. In December, ABC settled a $15 million defamation lawsuit filed by Trump, and the FCC—under Trump-appointed leadership—is currently reviewing ABC’s broader corporate practices. File photo: John Hanson Pye, licensed.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — ABC News suspended senior national correspondent Terry Moran on Sunday, following a now-deleted social media post that sharply criticized White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and former President Donald Trump. The network said Moran’s comments violated editorial standards after drawing condemnation from top Republican officials.

Moran, with ABC since 1997 and previously Chief White House Correspondent and Chief Foreign Correspondent, posted on X early Sunday morning referring to Miller and Trump as “world-class haters.” The remark followed a tense interview he conducted with Trump in April marking the 100‑day milestone of Trump’s return to office

ABC News confirmed Moran’s suspension, citing breach of policy on impartiality and objectivity. The network said his social media post did not reflect its values, prompting ABC to take immediate disciplinary action and suspend him pending review.

An ABC journalist @TerryMoran posted this absolutely vile smear of Stephen Miller. It’s dripping with hatred. Remember that every time you watch ABC’s coverage of the Trump administration.

As it happens, I know Stephen quite well. And he’s motivated by love of country. He’s… pic.twitter.com/hX93zKTWjy
— JD Vance (@JDVance) June 8, 2025

🚨 JUST IN: The ABC News “journalist,” Terry Moran, who posted (and deleted) a seemingly drunken smear against Stephen Miller has been SUSPENDED, per ABC

ABC proves once again they’re an activist firm — NOT a news organization.

Moran should be FIRED! pic.twitter.com/afyPGsEJE8
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 8, 2025

The post triggered swift backlash from the Trump-aligned political sphere. Vice President JD Vance publicly demanded an apology, calling the statement “vile,” while White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt labeled it “unhinged and unacceptable.” Conservative supporters criticized the remarks as evidence of media bias.

Moran, based in Washington, has had a distinguished career at ABC News, covering major political and international events, and is best known for his tenure as Chief White House Correspondent from 1999 to 2005 and as co-anchor of Nightline. He most recently served as Chief Foreign Correspondent before assuming his current role.

This incident adds tension to an already strained relationship between ABC News and the Trump-aligned White House. In December, ABC settled a $15 million defamation lawsuit filed by Trump, and the FCC—under Trump-appointed leadership—is currently reviewing ABC’s broader corporate practices.

The network emphasized that it does not condone personal attacks from its journalists and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining objectivity in its reporting.

As of Monday, Moran remains under suspension pending an internal investigation. ABC has not announced a timeline for his return or indicated further action.