Terry Moran Opens Up About His Departure from ABC News: “I Don’t Regret Telling the Truth”

Terry Moran, the veteran ABC News correspondent who made headlines after being let go from the network, has now shared his side of the story. In his first interview since the incident, Moran, who has found a new platform on Substack, stood firm on his beliefs and revealed that he does not regret his now-infamous social media post about the Trump administration. The post, which sharply criticized White House senior adviser Stephen Miller and former President Donald Trump, led to his firing from ABC News after nearly three decades with the network.

The Tweet That Changed Everything

Moran’s controversial post, published on June 8, 2023, described Stephen Miller as a “world-class hater,” accusing him of “eating his hate” as “spiritual nourishment.” He also lashed out at Trump, calling him a “world-class hater” as well. The tweet was deleted soon after it was posted, but the backlash from both sides of the political spectrum was immediate.

In his interview, Moran admitted that he was reflecting on the political situation in the U.S. when he posted the comment. “It wasn’t a drunk tweet,” Moran said, flashing a light grin during a Zoom interview. He went on to explain that the tweet came after a quiet evening spent with his family—walking his dog in the woods and discussing the current state of the country. “I was thinking about our country, and what’s happening, and just turning it over in my mind,” he recalled.

Moran’s outburst was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. He described it as a considered reaction to the state of the political climate in America. “I don’t think you should ever regret telling the truth,” Moran stated, standing firm in his belief that his comments were necessary, even if controversial.

The Consequences: A Sudden Exit from ABC News

Moran’s tweet caused immediate shockwaves at ABC News, with many of his colleagues reportedly stunned by the post’s harsh tone. Just two days later, ABC News announced it would not renew Moran’s contract, citing his tweet as a “clear violation” of the network’s policies.

While ABC News framed the decision as a routine contract expiration, Moran pushed back, saying that there was an oral agreement to renew his contract for another three years. He disputed the network’s narrative, claiming that ABC News was “bailing” on their agreement and that his firing was politically motivated. “We had a deal,” Moran said, adding that lawyers were still negotiating the terms of his exit and severance.

The firing left Moran stunned, but he didn’t express any regret for his actions. “I thought it would hit a nerve, maybe,” Moran said. “But I didn’t realize the consequences until it happened.”

Moving to Substack: A New Chapter

After his departure from ABC News, Moran quickly turned to Substack, a platform popular among journalists who have left traditional media outlets. His subscriber count on the platform skyrocketed, reaching over 90,000 subscribers within a few days of launching his account. Moran has been posting regularly on Substack, sharing his thoughts and insights on a wide range of topics, including politics, media bias, and current events.

Moran’s Substack posts have been well-received by his new audience, who appreciate his no-holds-barred approach to journalism. He admits that the shift to Substack has been liberating. “I’m certainly free to speak my mind,” he said. “On Substack, I don’t have to answer to anyone else. I can write what I truly believe.”

Moran’s posts have so far been free to read, but he has plans to introduce paid subscriptions for those who wish to support his work. With his new platform, Moran is keen to continue making a difference, away from the corporate constraints of traditional media. “I feel like I can do something different now,” Moran said. “I don’t have to follow the usual rules of the network. I can focus on what matters.”

A Divided Reaction: The Fallout from His Comments

Moran’s tweet and subsequent firing have sparked polarized reactions. On the right, many have used the incident as evidence of mainstream media bias, accusing ABC News of silencing a journalist who dared to speak out against the Trump administration. Meanwhile, many on the left praised Moran for his honest assessment of the Trump administration and its policies, celebrating his courage to speak out.

The incident also brought attention to the broader issue of media impartiality. Some veteran journalists have expressed concern that Moran’s actions could embolden right-wing critics who argue that the media is biased against conservative viewpoints. However, Moran, unwavering in his stance, does not believe his tweet was an attack on journalism, but rather an expression of his frustration with the state of U.S. politics.

A New Direction for Journalism?

Moran’s story highlights a growing trend in the media industry—journalists seeking independence from the constraints of corporate media outlets. Platforms like Substack are providing journalists with the opportunity to communicate directly with their audience, without editorial interference. For Moran, this shift represents a new chapter in his career, where he can continue reporting on the issues that matter most to him, in his own way.

“It’s a new kind of journalism,” Moran said, comparing Substack to the pamphleteering of the 18th century. “Back then, people wrote and shared their thoughts freely. Substack is a modern version of that. It gives me the freedom to write what I want, and it’s been really empowering.”

Moran’s shift to Substack also represents a growing dissatisfaction among journalists who feel constrained by traditional media organizations. As the media landscape continues to evolve, more and more reporters are seeking ways to engage with their audience in a more direct, unfiltered way. Moran, with his new Substack platform, is at the forefront of this change.

Conclusion: No Regrets for Terry Moran

Terry Moran’s firing from ABC News may have been a bitter blow, but it has opened up new opportunities for him to continue his work as a journalist. His move to Substack has allowed him to reach a new, more engaged audience while also giving him the freedom to speak his mind without fear of corporate interference. Moran stands by his tweet, saying that he does not regret speaking out against the Trump administration. For Moran, the truth is more important than following the rules, and he is committed to using his voice to continue fighting for the issues that matter most to him.

As the media industry adapts to the changing landscape of journalism, Moran’s story serves as a reminder of the power of independent voices in shaping public discourse. His journey is far from over, and with his growing platform on Substack, he’s determined to continue making his mark on the world of journalism.