⚖️ ABC UNDER FIRE AFTER SUSPENDING TERRY MORAN FOR ANTI-TRUMP POST
Free speech or company policy? The internet can’t decide.
By Media Radar | June 9, 2025
In a move that has shocked media circles and divided public opinion, ABC News has suspended veteran journalist Terry Moran following what the network called a violation of its social media conduct policy. But critics — especially on the left — say it was a punishment for calling out Donald Trump.
THE POST THAT SPARKED THE FIRESTORM
Moran, a longtime political analyst and White House correspondent, posted a now-deleted thread criticizing Trump’s recent remarks about the justice system, calling them “a direct threat to constitutional order.”
“We’re not watching politics. We’re watching a slow-motion autocracy test,” Moran wrote.
“The guardrails are breaking — and many in power are cheering.”
Within 24 hours, ABC News placed him on unpaid leave, citing “violations of internal guidelines regarding neutrality and social media use.”
BACKLASH FROM LIBERAL VOICES
Reaction was swift.
Progressive figures, including politicians, academics, and journalists, accused ABC of silencing truth in favor of neutrality optics.
“Terry Moran said what millions are thinking,” tweeted Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
“This isn’t objectivity — this is cowardice.”
CNN’s Jake Tapper called the suspension “deeply worrying,” while MSNBC hosts made it a headline segment under the banner: “Is Truth Now a Firing Offense?”
ABC PUSHES BACK
In a statement, ABC said:
“We expect all journalists to abide by standards that preserve public trust. This includes avoiding statements that may be perceived as partisan, especially when covering electoral issues.”
Privately, sources inside the network say executives are “divided”, with some arguing that Moran’s post crossed a line — and others fearing a chilling effect on newsroom candor.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR MORAN?
Neither Moran nor his representatives have commented publicly since the suspension. But according to insiders, he has no plans to apologize.
“Terry doesn’t regret saying what he said,” one friend told Media Radar.
“If anything, he regrets deleting it.”
️ THE BIGGER QUESTION
As the 2024 election looms, the line between free expression and journalistic neutrality is growing blurrier — and ABC’s move may become a landmark moment in the ongoing media wars.
