Former ABC News correspondent Terry Moran has defended his controversial social media post in which he criticized former President Donald Trump and White House aide Stephen Miller, asserting that his departure from ABC News was a business decision.
Moran, who was suspended over the incident, stated that the network viewed him as ‘bad for business.’ He attributed this to the network’s recent settlement with Trump for defamation, which amounted to $15 million. Moran claimed that ABC’s decision was based on a calculated business move rather than a bureaucratic process, despite the network’s internal dynamics.
In a recent interview with The Bulwark’s Tim Miller, Moran emphasized that his post was a reflection of his genuine beliefs and that he felt compelled to express his thoughts on Trump and Miller’s behavior. He described the post as a necessary action to address the degrading public discourse associated with the White House and Trump’s conduct.
The incident has sparked debates about the balance between free speech and corporate media policies. While Moran stood by his comments, ABC News did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, an ABC News staffer expressed disappointment over the decision, citing the network’s difficult position in the current political climate.
Moran’s post, which called both Trump and Miller ‘world-class haters,’ was met with significant backlash, leading to his suspension and eventual termination. The incident highlights the complex relationship between media organizations and political figures, and raises questions about the role of journalists in public discourse.