Jon Stewart Slams ABC for Firing Terry Moran: “They’re a F—ing Joke”

The firing of longtime ABC News correspondent Terry Moran has sparked a storm of controversy, with reactions from across the political spectrum. Moran’s termination follows a scathing social media post in which he criticized President Donald Trump and his deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, calling the latter a “world-class hater.”

The decision to let him go has ignited a fierce debate about freedom of speech, journalistic integrity, and the role of corporate media in today’s polarized political environment. Among those leading the charge against ABC’s decision is Jon Stewart, former host of The Daily Show, who did not hold back in his condemnation of both the network and the Trump administration.

The Incident: Moran’s Controversial Post

The controversy surrounding Moran began on Saturday when he posted a message on X (formerly Twitter), where he criticized Stephen Miller and Donald Trump in harsh terms. Moran wrote, “The thing about Stephen Miller is not that he is the brains behind Trumpism. Yes, he is one of the people who conceptualizes the impulses of the Trumpist movement and translates them into policy.

But that’s not what’s interesting about Miller. It’s not brains. It’s bile.” He continued, “Miller is a man who is richly endowed with the capacity for hatred. He’s a world-class hater. You can see this just by looking at him because you can see that his hatreds are his spiritual nourishment. He eats his hate.”

Moran’s comments were aimed squarely at the two most controversial figures in the Trump administration. He accused Miller of being driven by a deep, personal animosity that fueled his role in shaping the policies of the Trump presidency.

But Moran didn’t stop there—he turned his focus to President Trump, calling him “a world-class hater” whose hatred was only a means to an end: his own glorification. “That’s his spiritual nourishment,” Moran wrote, making it clear that he believed Trump’s hatred was central to his identity and political strategy.

While Moran quickly deleted the post, the damage had already been done. The highly charged language and personal nature of the remarks drew swift backlash from Trump administration officials and critics on both sides of the political aisle. Within days, ABC News made the decision to suspend Moran, and just a few days later, they announced that they were parting ways with him.

Jon Stewart’s Reactions: “A F—ing Joke”

Jon Stewart, never one to shy away from criticizing corporate media and political figures, wasted no time in condemning ABC’s decision to fire Moran. On his Weekly Show podcast, Stewart was asked whether he thought the network made the right call by firing the respected journalist. His response was emphatic: “Of course not. So stupid. No, for God’s sake.”

Stewart’s frustration centered on what he saw as the hypocrisy of corporate media. He pointed out that, on networks like Fox News, hosts regularly make harsh, sometimes offensive comments about Democratic politicians with little to no consequence. Stewart argued that ABC’s decision to fire Moran seemed like an overreaction, particularly when compared to the behavior of other media figures who regularly engage in similar rhetoric.

Stewart went on to highlight the absurdity of ABC’s stance, saying, “Literally everyday on Fox News they’re taking stuff out of context or their people are saying utterly vicious things about democratic politicians. The entire thing is because ABC clings to this facade that they somehow exist in a bubble outside all of this. It’s a joke. They’re a f***ing joke.”

Stewart’s scathing critique was just the latest in a long line of criticisms aimed at the corporate media’s treatment of independent voices and its response to political pressure. For many, his words rang true: the media landscape has increasingly become polarized, with corporate interests driving decisions and limiting journalists’ ability to speak freely.

The Fallout: ABC’s Statement and Industry Reactions

The firing of Moran prompted a statement from ABC News, which emphasized that it “holds all of its reporters to the highest standards of objectivity, fairness, and professionalism.” The network insisted that Moran’s post violated these standards and was inconsistent with the network’s commitment to delivering unbiased, straightforward journalism.

However, the decision to fire Moran was met with sharp criticism from many within the media and political circles. Numerous media personalities, journalists, and free speech advocates came to Moran’s defense, arguing that his right to express his opinion was being stifled. They pointed out that while the post was certainly critical of the president, it was hardly the type of inflammatory rhetoric often seen in cable news or social media.

Former journalists and media experts also raised concerns about the broader implications of Moran’s firing. Many argued that this move could have a chilling effect on journalists, particularly those working in corporate media, by signaling that speaking out on political issues—even in a way that is not extreme—could have serious professional consequences.

The Debate: Media, Politics, and Free Speech

Moran’s firing has sparked an ongoing debate about the role of journalists in a highly polarized political environment. For many, the question is not whether Moran’s remarks were offensive or inappropriate, but whether it is right for corporate media companies to fire employees for speaking their minds, particularly when it comes to political issues.

This debate is part of a broader conversation about the responsibility of media organizations to remain objective, while also ensuring that their reporters and anchors have the freedom to express their views.

Some critics argue that the media’s increasing focus on political neutrality is stifling important conversations and preventing journalists from holding politicians accountable. Others maintain that journalists should remain impartial and that personal opinions should never interfere with their reporting.

Moran’s situation is also a reflection of the increasing tension between traditional journalism and the growing influence of social media. In an era where everyone is a potential broadcaster, the lines between personal expression and professional duty are becoming increasingly blurred. The case of Moran highlights the struggles many journalists face as they navigate these complicated waters.

Moran’s Next Chapter: Independent Journalism and the Rise of Substack

In the wake of his firing, Terry Moran wasted no time in announcing his next move. He quickly launched a Substack newsletter, positioning himself as an independent journalist committed to delivering thoughtful, in-depth analysis without the constraints of corporate media.

In a statement to his followers, Moran expressed his excitement about continuing his work: “I can’t wait to get at it, get at the important work that we all have to do in this time of such trouble for our country.” Moran’s decision to move into the independent journalism space aligns with a growing trend of veteran reporters leaving traditional media outlets to start their own platforms, where they have greater control over their work and their message.

Substack has become a popular platform for journalists seeking autonomy, allowing them to build direct relationships with their audience without the interference of corporate interests. Moran’s decision to embrace this model reflects the changing landscape of media, where more and more journalists are opting for independence in response to the constraints of mainstream media.

Moran’s shift to independent journalism is seen by some as a response to the growing corporate control of news outlets, which often prioritize ratings and sensationalism over in-depth reporting. By moving to Substack, Moran can focus on the kind of nuanced reporting and analysis that has defined his career.

The Future of Journalism: A Case Study in Media Ethics and Independence

The fallout from Moran’s firing has led to widespread discussions about the future of journalism. As the media industry continues to evolve, questions about the role of corporate control, editorial independence, and free speech will only become more pressing. Moran’s firing and subsequent move to independent journalism serve as a case study in the challenges facing reporters today.

In a world where media companies are increasingly concerned with profits and political influence, the future of independent journalism remains uncertain. However, Moran’s move to Substack represents a new path forward for journalists who are committed to maintaining their integrity and independence in the face of corporate pressures.

Moran’s decision to embrace this new model of journalism has the potential to inspire a new generation of reporters who want to retain control over their work and challenge the status quo. Whether or not this shift will become more common in the industry remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the conversation about the future of journalism—and the role of media in a free society—is far from over.

Conclusion: The End of an Era, and the Beginning of a New One

The firing of Terry Moran represents the end of an era for corporate journalism, and the beginning of a new chapter in the evolving landscape of media. Moran’s decision to step away from the mainstream media and pursue independent journalism highlights the growing divide between corporate interests and journalistic integrity.

As the media world continues to change, the future of reporting will rely on journalists like Moran who are willing to take risks and speak out for the values they believe in.

Moran’s next chapter may very well define the future of journalism—one where the power to speak freely and hold those in power accountable is no longer dictated by corporate overlords. For now, his shift to independent reporting offers a glimpse into the future of the media industry and the critical role that journalism will play in shaping the political discourse of tomorrow.