ABC News has suspended senior national correspondent Terry Moran after he made controversial comments about White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and former President Donald Trump on social media. In a now-deleted tweet, Moran described Miller as “richly endowed with the capacity for hatred” and criticized Trump, suggesting his actions stem from a desire for self-glorification.
Moran’s post was swiftly removed, and he hasn’t commented since. ABC News confirmed his suspension while emphasizing its commitment to objectivity in journalism. A spokesperson stated, “The post does not reflect the views of ABC News and violated our standards.”
The White House reacted strongly. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt labeled Moran’s comments as “unhinged and unacceptable.” Miller responded, accusing Moran of having a “full public meltdown” and suggested that media figures like him often adopt a radical stance while pretending to be journalists.
Vice President JD Vance also chimed in, calling the comments a “vile smear” and asserting that Miller is driven by love for his country. Vance noted that he believes Moran’s perspective reflects a disconnection from ordinary Americans.
Moran, who has been with ABC since 1997 and covered major events like 9/11 and the Iraq War, previously interviewed Trump during his first major broadcast in his second term. This incident follows a history of tension between Trump and various news outlets. In fact, ABC News recently settled a defamation lawsuit with Trump for $15 million, stemming from a mishandled report about a jury’s findings in a sexual abuse case.
Meanwhile, Trump is also pursuing legal action against CBS News, claiming “deceitful” editing during a recent interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. CBS has refuted these claims, calling them false.
As the media landscape evolves, these incidents highlight ongoing debates about bias, journalism ethics, and the relationship between the press and public officials.
For further context on media ethics, consider checking out the Society of Professional Journalists and their guidelines on responsible journalism.