In an unfiltered and explosive moment that’s dominating headlines, comedian and media critic Jon Stewart has launched a scathing attack on ABC News for the sudden firing of veteran journalist Terry Moran. In a viral episode of The Weekly Show podcast, Stewart didn’t mince words as he accused the network of political cowardice, hypocrisy, and undermining journalistic integrity.

“What the hell are you doing?” Stewart demanded. “You’re firing Terry Moran for criticizing Donald Trump? That’s a f—ing joke.”

This very public rebuke has reignited a fiery debate over media bias, free speech, and whether major news networks are caving to political pressure at the expense of truth.

The Fallout: Terry Moran’s Abrupt Exit

Terry Moran, a respected ABC News correspondent with over 20 years of experience, was let go earlier this week after posting a now-deleted social media comment calling Donald Trump and advisor Stephen Miller “world-class haters.” The post was shared in response to a controversial speech by Trump that many criticized as racially charged.

Initially suspended, Moran’s firing was made permanent just days later, a decision that stunned longtime viewers and colleagues alike.

“Terry was one of the few left who still believed in asking hard questions and following the story wherever it led,” said a former ABC producer who spoke under anonymity. “Now even that seems punishable.”

Jon Stewart Lights the Match

Enter Jon Stewart. The comedy icon turned media watchdog took to his podcast to eviscerate ABC for what he described as “gutless, performative neutrality.”

“ABC News wants to pretend it’s above the fray,” Stewart said. “But firing a journalist for calling out Trump — while letting others spew slanted takes night after night — shows exactly which side they’re really afraid of offending.”

Stewart’s tirade has gone viral, amassing millions of views within hours. On social media, clips of his rant spread like wildfire, with hashtags like #StandWithTerry and #JonWasRight trending across platforms.

For many, Stewart has become the unofficial conscience of the media industry, unafraid to challenge both networks and political figures.

“If being honest about Trump’s rhetoric gets you fired, what does that say about journalism today?” he asked during the show. “ABC didn’t fire Terry because he was wrong. They fired him because he made someone powerful uncomfortable.”

A Dangerous Precedent?

The incident has raised alarm bells across the journalism world. Media analysts warn that Moran’s firing could set a dangerous precedent where journalists are punished for expressing honest — even if controversial — opinions.

“Journalism is supposed to hold power accountable,” said media ethics professor Carla Mendes. “But what we’re seeing now is a shift toward protecting power, especially when that power aligns with ratings or ad revenue.”

ABC News has yet to issue a full statement beyond confirming Moran’s departure and stating that “the network holds its journalists to the highest editorial standards, including those on social media.”

Double Standards and Network Politics

Stewart was quick to highlight what he views as a stark double standard. He pointed to commentary from other networks — particularly Fox News — where anchors and contributors routinely share political opinions far more extreme than Moran’s.

“They twist facts, spin conspiracy theories, attack Democrats daily — and nobody bats an eye,” Stewart said. “But Terry calls out Trump once and suddenly it’s DEFCON 1 at ABC? Give me a break.”

He also noted that ABC’s desire to maintain an image of neutrality has, ironically, made it appear less credible.

“They’re not neutral. They’re neutered,” Stewart scoffed. “Afraid of being labeled biased, they’re abandoning truth altogether.”

Public and Industry Reaction

The backlash hasn’t been limited to Stewart. Fellow journalists, former colleagues, and prominent media figures have voiced concern.

Veteran CNN anchor Jake Tapper tweeted: “Firing someone for a political opinion — especially one based on facts — is a troubling sign for our industry.”

NBC correspondent Andrea Mitchell added: “Terry Moran has spent decades earning trust. This decision will erode trust in ABC.”

Even former ABC colleagues have weighed in. “Terry was the journalist’s journalist,” wrote former Nightline producer Mark Gleeson. “His exit is a loss not just for ABC, but for journalism.”

Terry Moran Responds

Moran himself has not spoken publicly in detail, but sources close to him say he’s “deeply disappointed” by the decision. In a brief statement released through his representative, he said:

“I’ve always believed in speaking truth to power. That’s what I was trained to do. I stand by my record and my integrity.”

There is growing speculation that Moran could soon join a rival network or launch an independent platform, similar to what many veteran journalists have done in the face of corporate restrictions.

What’s at Stake for ABC News

With public scrutiny mounting and trust in mainstream media already fragile, ABC News now faces serious questions about its direction.

Media watchdog groups have called for an internal review of how the decision to fire Moran was made, and some have even urged viewers to boycott the network until it reinstates or at least publicly addresses Moran’s dismissal.

“This could backfire spectacularly,” said media strategist Elaine Bower. “They didn’t just fire a journalist — they ignited a movement.”

Jon Stewart: Still the Media’s Moral Compass?

Jon Stewart’s influence remains undeniable. More than a decade since he left The Daily Show, he continues to wield power as a voice of reason — or outrage — in an increasingly polarized media world.

His ability to frame media controversies with clarity and passion has made him a respected figure across ideological lines. And in this case, he’s hit a nerve.

“This isn’t about left or right,” Stewart said. “It’s about truth and who’s allowed to speak it. If we start silencing journalists for doing their job, we’ve lost the very foundation of democracy.”

The Bigger Picture

Moran’s firing and Stewart’s fierce defense raise broader concerns about the role of media in 2025 America. Are journalists allowed to be human and express viewpoints outside of tightly scripted reporting? Can news networks claim objectivity while punishing those who step out of line?

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: this isn’t just about one tweet, or one journalist. It’s about who controls the narrative — and who gets silenced when they challenge it.