Terry Moran Breaks Silence on Firing and New Beginnings: “I Won’t Regret Telling the Truth”

Terry Moran, the longtime ABC News correspondent who was abruptly fired after a controversial social media post, is speaking out in his first interview since leaving the network. In a candid conversation, Moran opened up about the circumstances that led to his departure, the backlash he faced, and what the future holds as he embarks on a new journey with Substack. Despite the intense fallout from his remarks, Moran insists he doesn’t regret what he said and reflects on his career shift with a sense of confidence.

The Controversial Post That Shook the Media World

Moran’s firing was the result of a tweet he posted on June 8, 2023, which sharply criticized the Trump administration, particularly White House advisor Stephen Miller. The tweet described Miller as a “world-class hater” and claimed that he “eats his hate” as “spiritual nourishment.” Moran also leveled similar accusations at former President Donald Trump, labeling him as a “world-class hater.”

The post, which was quickly deleted after being published, prompted an outpouring of responses from both sides of the political spectrum. Many of Moran’s critics, especially conservative figures, saw his comments as a direct violation of journalistic neutrality, while others, particularly those on the left, praised Moran for his honest assessment of the administration’s rhetoric.

In his first public comments since his firing, Moran spoke candidly about his thought process. “It wasn’t a drunk tweet,” he said with a small grin during a Zoom interview. Moran explained that the post came after a quiet night spent walking his dog and reflecting on the state of the nation. He emphasized that there was no specific trigger event for his tweet; rather, it was a culmination of his own thoughts on the political climate in the U.S. “I was thinking about our country and what’s happening, and I just turned it over in my mind,” he said.

The Decision to Fire Moran: A Disagreement Over Impartiality

The decision to fire Moran came shortly after ABC News issued a statement noting that it would not renew his contract, citing the social media post as a clear violation of the network’s policies. ABC News, which prides itself on its commitment to impartial journalism, stood firm in its decision, while many of Moran’s colleagues were reportedly shocked by the incident.

Moran, however, disputes the network’s framing of his departure, stating that there had been a pre-existing “oral agreement” to extend his contract for an additional three years. “We had a deal,” Moran said, adding that ABC News was backing out of this agreement. He is currently in negotiations with the network over the terms of his exit and severance, a matter that remains unresolved.

“I don’t think you should ever regret telling the truth,” Moran continued, emphasizing that he stood by his comments. “It wasn’t about Trump, it was about what I was seeing in the world. I felt it needed to be said.”

Substack: A New Chapter for Moran

In the wake of his firing, Moran found a new home on Substack, a platform known for its independent, uncensored content. Substack has become a haven for many journalists and writers who have left traditional media outlets, providing a platform for them to connect directly with their audiences. Moran’s decision to move to Substack has been met with a strong response—he already has over 90,000 subscribers, many of whom are supportive of his unfiltered commentary.

“My voice is my own now,” Moran said of his new platform. “Substack gives me the ability to speak freely and share my thoughts without worrying about editorial restrictions or corporate interests. It’s a liberating feeling.”

Moran’s subscribers are drawn to his honest takes on the political landscape and his ability to connect on a deeper level with his audience. “I don’t have to please a network. I don’t have to toe any party line. I can just write what I believe in, and that’s refreshing,” Moran said, adding that his new role allows him to explore issues that mainstream networks might shy away from covering in-depth.

While Moran’s posts on Substack are free for now, he plans to introduce paid subscriptions in the future, offering more in-depth commentary and exclusive content to those who choose to support his work. He has already gained considerable traction, with many readers appreciating his candidness and willingness to take on topics that many in the media avoid.

A Divisive Figure: Supporters and Critics Weigh In

Moran’s firing and subsequent move to Substack have sparked a divide in public opinion. On the right, many have applauded his decision to stand by his beliefs, calling him a victim of “mainstream media bias” and praising his courage in speaking out against the Trump administration. Others, however, have questioned his professionalism, accusing him of letting personal opinions overshadow his duty as a journalist.

On social media, the debate continues to rage, with some defending Moran for his honest criticism of the Trump administration, while others condemn him for abandoning impartiality. “He was just telling the truth, and sometimes the truth is uncomfortable,” said one of his supporters on X. Meanwhile, a critic on the other side of the political spectrum pointed out, “It’s not about whether his opinion is right or wrong. It’s about his duty to maintain professionalism.”

Moran, for his part, doesn’t seem bothered by the criticism. “I’ve been in the game long enough to know that not everyone will agree with you,” he said. “But what I’m doing now, with Substack, feels right. I can connect with an audience that values transparency and truth, even if it’s uncomfortable.”

A Future Without Mainstream Media Constraints

As Moran continues to build his Substack platform, he’s reflecting on what comes next. “I’ve spent years in mainstream media, and I’m grateful for the experiences,” he said. “But right now, I feel more connected to my audience than I ever did before. I’m writing on my terms, and that’s incredibly empowering.”

Moran also hinted at the possibility of branching out into other forms of media, such as podcasts or long-form journalism, giving him more freedom to express his views. He’s still considering what that next step will look like, but for now, Substack remains his primary outlet.

Conclusion: A New Era for Terry Moran

Terry Moran’s departure from ABC News marked the end of one era in his career and the beginning of another. His move to Substack signals a shift in the way journalists engage with their audiences, offering a more direct and personal connection that isn’t constrained by corporate interests. While his critics may continue to debate his professionalism, Moran stands by his decision to speak his truth.

For Moran, the future is full of possibilities. He has found a new home where his voice can be heard without filters, and he’s using his platform to explore the stories and issues that matter most to him. Whether or not mainstream media embraces this new era of independent journalism, Terry Moran’s story is a reminder that the future of reporting may lie in the hands of those who are willing to go beyond the corporate walls and speak directly to the people.