In a recent interview with ABC News’ Terry Moran, Donald Trump made a bold claim about his choice of interviewer.
He said he selected Moran specifically because he’d “never heard of” the veteran journalist.
This unusual comment added a surprising twist to what was already an intense exchange between the president and the reporter.
Trump’s Remarks: Not Exactly a Compliment
During the interview, which marked Trump’s first since his defamation lawsuit, the president didn’t hold back.
He spent a good portion of the time dismantling Moran’s questions, criticizing the Disney-owned network, and continuing his ongoing critique of “fake news” media.
When Moran tried to fact-check Trump, the president’s response was blunt.
“They’re giving you the big break of a lifetime,” Trump told Moran.
“I picked you to do the interview because frankly, I’d never heard of you, but you’re not being very nice.”
This exchange came after a tense debate about Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deported El Salvador native, his alleged ties to the MS-13 gang, and discussions around tariffs.
Trump’s comment, though not meant as a compliment, left an impression about the dynamic between the two.
Who is Terry Moran?
While Trump might claim he had never heard of Moran, the 65-year-old journalist is far from unknown.
Moran is a highly respected, award-winning reporter with a career that spans decades.
Currently, he is ABC News’ senior national correspondent, a position he has held since 1997.
Born in Chicago, Moran graduated from Lawrence University in 1982 with a degree in English.
He initially started his career in journalism by writing for The New Republic before making the transition to broadcast news.
Throughout his career, Moran has covered several high-profile stories, including the O.J. Simpson and Menendez brothers’ trials for Court TV.
Moran’s deep dive into politics began with coverage of Bill Clinton’s presidency, followed by Al Gore’s presidential campaign.
His landmark moment came when he reported on the Bush v. Gore Supreme Court decision, which is credited with being the moment former Vice President Gore learned he had lost the 2000 election.
Career Highlights and Awards
Moran’s long career includes several prestigious roles, including his time as the anchor of World News Tonight Sunday and co-anchor of Nightline, where he conducted nine one-on-one interviews with Barack Obama.
He has been recognized with several awards, such as the White House Correspondents Association’s Merriman Smith Award for excellence in presidential reporting on deadline, as well as a George Foster Peabody Award.
In 2014, Moran took on the role of ABC News’ chief foreign correspondent in London, before returning to the U.S. in 2020 to cover politics.
His time abroad didn’t stop him from staying connected to U.S. politics, and in 2016, he famously predicted Trump’s victory despite what others thought.
Moran’s View on Trump and Politics
Moran’s take on Trump’s political rise has been candid.
He noted in 2016 that he believed Trump would win the election, even though it wasn’t a popular opinion at the time.
Moran later shared on social media that in 2024, he again felt Trump would win, citing the growth of the “Trump Movement” as a key factor.
His view on covering Trump’s presidency? “Like drinking from a fire hose,” he once said, acknowledging the intensity of political coverage during such a turbulent time.
Personal Life and Family
On the personal front, Moran has had two marriages.
He shares a child with his first wife, Karen Osler, and married his second wife, Johanna Cox, in 2015.
The couple has three children together. Johanna, who is notably the winner of the 2008 CW fashion competition Stylista, had a career boost from her win, landing a position at Elle magazine.
In December, Moran posted a picture of himself and his daughter with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, showcasing the personal connections that often emerge from his high-profile career.