Terry Moran Reflects on His Firing and New Path on Substack: “I Don’t Regret Telling the Truth”

Terry Moran, the veteran ABC News correspondent who recently lost his job after a controversial social media post, has spoken out in his first interview since the incident. In a candid conversation, Moran shared that he stands by his actions and has no regrets about his comments, which led to his dismissal from the network after years of service. Now using Substack to continue his journalistic work, Moran discussed his thoughts on the post, his time at ABC News, and what lies ahead for him in this new chapter of his career.

The Post That Changed Everything

Moran’s departure from ABC News came after he posted a tweet on X (formerly Twitter) criticizing the Trump administration. In the tweet, he described White House senior adviser Stephen Miller as a “world-class hater” and accused him of using hatred as “spiritual nourishment.” Moran also extended the same label to President Donald Trump, whom he had interviewed in the Oval Office just weeks before. The tweet was quickly deleted, but not before it created a media firestorm.

In the interview, Moran recounted the evening leading up to his tweet, explaining that it wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. “It wasn’t a drunk tweet,” Moran said, flashing a grin during his Zoom chat. The night had started simply, with a reflective walk in the woods with his dog, followed by a quiet family dinner and a movie. “I was thinking about our country, and what’s happening, and just turning it over in my mind,” Moran said. When he sat down to write the post, he felt it was an expression of truth. “I wrote it, and I said, ‘That’s true.’”

Moran has received both criticism and support for his tweet. Many on the right decried the post as an unprofessional attack, with some claiming it reflected a biased stance against the Trump administration. Others, especially on the left, applauded Moran for speaking candidly about the administration’s harmful rhetoric.

A Public Disagreement with ABC News

After the post, ABC News swiftly suspended Moran before ultimately announcing that it would not renew his contract. In a statement, the network cited the post as a violation of its policies on impartiality and professional conduct. Moran, however, disputed the official narrative, arguing that ABC’s explanation was misleading. “They say my contract was set to expire, and that’s technically true, but they were also backing out of an agreement to extend my contract for three more years,” he explained.

Moran’s comments suggest a deeper tension between him and the network, particularly regarding the nature of his exit. “We had a deal,” Moran said, expressing frustration over the way his departure was handled. Legal negotiations about his severance are ongoing, but Moran has been open about his dissatisfaction with how ABC News dealt with the situation.

Moving Forward: Substack and the Freedom to Speak

While leaving ABC News marked a major turning point in his career, Moran has embraced a new opportunity to continue his journalistic work via Substack. The platform, known for allowing independent writers and journalists to share their thoughts without editorial oversight, has quickly become a popular destination for former network anchors and journalists, many of whom feel constrained by traditional media outlets.

Since starting on Substack, Moran has gained more than 90,000 subscribers and has received overwhelming support from his followers. Many appreciate his directness and the freedom he now has to express his opinions without fear of backlash from corporate media. Moran’s posts are currently free to read, but a portion of his audience has subscribed to his paid content, contributing to his growing subscriber base.

Moran explained that Substack gives him the chance to write freely and without restrictions. “I’m certainly free to speak my mind,” he said, noting that the platform’s format allows for more personal and unfiltered commentary. “I feel liberated to express my thoughts and share insights I might not have been able to in my previous roles.”

Standing by His Words: “I Don’t Regret Telling the Truth”

Despite the professional fallout, Moran stands by his original post. “I don’t think you should ever regret telling the truth,” he said, reaffirming his stance on the Trump administration and its policies. “It was how I was feeling, and I felt it was important to share.”

Moran’s decision to express his thoughts so boldly reflects a growing trend among journalists who are pushing back against what they see as a lack of truthfulness in mainstream political discourse. The tweet that sparked his firing was not just an expression of opinion, but a candid reflection of his frustrations with the political environment. For Moran, this was about speaking out when many in the media would shy away.

“I don’t regret it,” he added. “I think it was important for people to hear someone say what many of us were thinking about the administration and its rhetoric.”

A New Beginning: What’s Next for Moran?

As Moran continues to grow his presence on Substack, he is also exploring other potential projects. He expressed interest in revisiting some of his past work, such as his coverage of Trump’s unsubstantiated claims about Haitian immigrants eating pets. Moran sees his Substack platform as a place to continue asking hard-hitting questions and exploring stories that might not get attention in mainstream outlets.

“I’m going to have fun with it,” he said, speaking with enthusiasm about the future. “I’m not beholden to anyone’s agenda now. I can focus on telling the stories that matter to me.”

The shift from mainstream network journalism to independent reporting has been a liberating one for Moran. While he acknowledges that his departure from ABC News was a difficult chapter, he remains hopeful about the future. “The response from my audience has been incredible,” he said, noting that Substack’s support for independent voices aligns with his values as a journalist.

Conclusion: Moran’s Next Chapter

Terry Moran’s firing from ABC News marked the end of a significant era in his career, but it also signaled the beginning of a new, more independent path. By embracing Substack, Moran has carved out a space where he can speak freely, share his insights, and connect with an audience that shares his passion for truth in journalism. While the path to this new chapter wasn’t easy, Moran’s commitment to honesty, transparency, and independent thought will continue to define his work in the years ahead.