ABC News announced today that it has suspended veteran correspondent Terry Moran after he posted, then deleted, a sharply worded message on X that labeled President Donald Trump and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller as “world‑class haters.” The move comes as the network cited its strict rules on impartial reporting and responded to criticism from the White House, drawing fresh debate over journalistic standards and social media conduct.
In the deleted post, Moran described Miller as “a man who is richly endowed with the capacity for hatred” and called him “a world‑class hater” whose “hatreds are his spiritual nourishment.” He added that Miller “eats his hate” and went on to say that “Trump is a world‑class hater” whose rancor serves only to boost his own image. The remarks first appeared shortly after midnight on X, and they were removed within hours, but screenshots had already begun circulating widely online.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued an immediate rebuke, condemning the tweet as “unhinged and unacceptable” and pressing ABC for details on how it planned to hold Moran accountable. She told reporters that journalists must maintain professionalism and objectivity, and she demanded an explanation from network executives. On the Sunday Morning Futures show on Fox News, Leavitt reiterated that viewers expect reporters to remain neutral and avoid personal attacks.
Stephen Miller also weighed in, characterizing Moran’s statements as a “full public meltdown” that exposed what he called “privileged talkers masquerading as neutral observers.” Miller asserted that he acts out of “love for our country” rather than hatred and claimed that Moran’s words revealed a bias behind the journalist’s mask of objectivity. Vice President J.D. Vance joined the chorus, labeling the post “a vile smear” and defending Miller’s motives as patriotic.
ABC News responded with an official statement that noted the network’s commitment to “recognised standards of objective journalism.” The statement outlined the four pillars of its editorial code: a balance that follows the weight of evidence; fair treatment; an open mind; and ample opportunity for all major viewpoints to be heard over time. The network emphasized that personal opinions must be set aside during reporting, and it said that Moran’s post violated these principles.
Justin Stevens, director of ABC News, explained that while reporters are entitled to private opinions, they must not project them into the news agenda. He stressed that “our audience expects accuracy and fairness” and that any expression of personal bias can undermine trust in the entire organization. Stevens added that ABC does not tolerate commentary that could be seen as partisan or as targeting individuals in a manner that could compromise neutrality.
Moran joined ABC News in 2011 after a long career at ABC’s parent company. He has covered major stories, from presidential campaigns to international crises, and he holds a reputation as a thorough and experienced journalist. Colleagues described him as a diligent correspondent who often dug deep into policy issues, though some admitted surprise at his post given the network’s stress on impartial coverage.
Media analysts say the incident highlights a broader dilemma for news organizations as individual reporters navigate social media’s informal environment while remaining bound by formal standards. They point out that networks face a tough task when a high‑profile journalist strays from the code of conduct and attracts political backlash. The challenge lies in balancing fair treatment for staff with the need to maintain public confidence in editorial integrity.
As discussions continue inside ABC and in political circles, Moran’s status remains uncertain. The network said it will conduct a full review before deciding on any further action. In the meantime, viewers and press watchers will be keeping a close eye on how ABC restores its image for unbiased reporting and what this episode means for journalists’ use of social platforms.
