10 MINUTES AGO: TERRY MORAN LOSES CONTROL OVER PRESIDENT, CO-HOST FORCED TO CUT FEED AS ABC FIRES HIM IMMEDIATELY During a live broadcast, Terry Moran’s scathing remarks about the president led to an explosive situation, causing his co-host to urgently grab the mic and cut the feed. The shocking moment ended with ABC firing him on the spot. What sparked this dramatic meltdown, and how did ABC respond to the fallout? Find out here.

Terry Moran, a respected and seasoned journalist, became the latest figure to experience the volatile intersection of media, politics, and personal expression. After almost three decades at ABC News, Moran was terminated on June 10, 2025, following a controversial social media post that sparked widespread debate and uproar.

The decision to part ways with Moran has reverberated throughout the media industry, raising important questions about journalistic integrity, the boundaries of free speech, and the growing influence of political pressures on media organizations. This story isn’t just about the downfall of one man—it’s a window into the challenges that journalists face in an era where personal opinions can no longer be separated from their professional roles.

The Controversial Social Media Post

Terry Moran’s firing stemmed from a single, pointed social media post that criticized former President Donald Trump and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.

In his post, Moran described the pair as “world-class haters,” a statement that clearly crossed the line for ABC News, who argued that the comment violated their standards for professionalism and objectivity. At a time when political tensions were at an all-time high in the U.S., such a remark from a prominent journalist with nearly 30 years of experience at ABC News inevitably caught the attention of both supporters and detractors.

Despite Moran’s long history of reporting on global affairs, politics, and crises, ABC News made the decision to sever ties with him just days before his contract was set to expire.

The network’s justification for firing him was grounded in the need to maintain journalistic neutrality and credibility—values that are often touted as essential for any major news outlet, especially one with ABC’s reach and influence. The company cited his post as a violation of its standards, claiming that journalists should remain impartial, especially when engaging in public discourse on social media.

But this was not just an issue of personal conduct. It was an issue that brought the debate about the role of journalists, especially those working in legacy media, to the forefront.

Journalists like Moran often carry with them the weight of their personal perspectives, shaped by years of professional experience and political analysis. However, the modern media environment has increasingly demanded that these voices be kept in check, making it harder for journalists to share personal viewpoints without facing potential professional repercussions.

The Fallout: Public Reactions and Industry Backlash

The reaction to Moran’s firing was swift and polarized, with some defending his right to speak out, while others supported ABC News for maintaining the integrity of its journalistic practices. Within hours of the news breaking, social media erupted with both support and condemnation.

Among the notable figures who spoke out in Moran’s defense was Jon Stewart, the renowned comedian and former host of The Daily Show. Stewart criticized ABC for what he saw as a capitulation to political pressure, calling the network’s actions “a f***ing joke.”

His criticism sparked a wave of discussions across news outlets, with many questioning whether media organizations had lost sight of their duty to uphold the principles of free speech and independent thought.

While some political commentators, including White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, condemned Moran’s remarks as “unhinged and unacceptable,” others within the media industry voiced concern that this situation was emblematic of a broader trend in which political and corporate interests were beginning to compromise the independence of journalistic institutions.

As the public response to Moran’s firing continued to evolve, many began to wonder whether this was part of a larger pattern, where the media, under the pressure of political and financial forces, was increasingly holding its journalists to stricter standards of neutrality, even at the cost of free expression.

Life After ABC: Moran’s Transition to Independent Journalism

In the wake of his firing, Terry Moran wasted no time in announcing his next move. Rather than retreating from the public eye, Moran launched a Substack newsletter, signaling his commitment to independent journalism.

He described his new project as a platform where he could continue to offer thoughtful and critical analysis without the constraints of corporate or political influence. “Can’t wait to get at it,” Moran shared enthusiastically in a statement to his followers, expressing his eagerness to maintain his journalistic integrity while engaging with his audience directly.

Moran’s pivot to independent journalism aligns with a growing trend among veteran reporters and journalists who are seeking greater control over their work and their voices.

As traditional media organizations face mounting pressures from both the political establishment and corporate interests, more and more journalists are choosing to leave mainstream outlets in favor of independent platforms, where they can publish freely without fear of corporate interference. Moran’s shift is part of this broader movement that reflects the changing landscape of modern journalism.

Moran’s Substack launch represents not just a career shift but a philosophical one. Independent journalism allows reporters to bypass the gatekeeping process of large media conglomerates and establish direct connections with their audience.

For Moran, this was a chance to regain his autonomy in an industry that often forces its journalists to walk a fine line between neutrality and personal expression. It also presents a chance to continue his work as a journalist, but on his own terms.

Reflections on Media Integrity, Accountability, and Free Speech

The firing of Terry Moran has led to a larger conversation about the relationship between journalists, media organizations, and the public. The core of the debate is the role that journalists should play in the political discourse—should they remain strictly neutral, or should they be allowed to share their views and critiques freely?

And at what point does an individual journalist’s free speech interfere with the perceived impartiality of their employer?

Moran’s firing raises uncomfortable questions about the future of journalism, especially in a time when traditional media outlets are losing audience trust and credibility.

His critics argue that Moran’s social media post was an irresponsible move that undermines the integrity of a profession built on objectivity. Yet, his supporters contend that Moran’s comments were no different than those of any other public figure, and that silencing journalists in this way sets a dangerous precedent for the industry.

For many, the larger issue at hand is whether media organizations can balance their commitment to fairness with the reality of a politically charged, opinion-driven media environment. As media organizations increasingly prioritize their relationships with advertisers, corporate backers, and political leaders, they may be compromising the ethical standards that once defined the profession.

A Case Study in the Future of Journalism

Moran’s situation represents more than just a personal setback. It reflects the wider challenges that journalists across the world are facing today.

The rise of digital media, social platforms, and increasing political polarization have made it increasingly difficult for journalists to remain neutral while also maintaining their credibility. As the demand for real-time reporting intensifies, it’s clear that journalists will need to adapt to the changing media landscape without sacrificing their integrity.

Moran’s move to independent journalism signals a potential shift toward a future where journalists reclaim their voices and independence. His decision to embrace this change in the wake of his firing could serve as a model for other journalists who seek to continue their work without being constrained by the pressures of corporate media organizations.

In the coming years, we may witness a growing trend of journalists leaving traditional outlets for independent platforms, where they can write without fear of corporate interference. This shift could mark a new chapter in journalism, where transparency, accountability, and authenticity become the guiding principles of the profession.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for the Media Industry

Terry Moran’s firing by ABC News is more than just an isolated incident—it is a crucial moment in the ongoing debate about the future of journalism. As the media industry grapples with questions of transparency, impartiality, and freedom of expression, Moran’s move to independent journalism may offer a glimpse of what lies ahead.

For Moran, this may be the beginning of a new chapter—one where he can speak freely, engage with his audience on his own terms, and continue his career as an independent journalist. As the media world evolves, Moran’s journey will likely become a case study in how journalists can navigate the shifting tides of corporate pressures, political interference, and the ever-growing need for unbiased, fact-based reporting.