David Muir, the Emmy-winning anchor of ABC’s World News Tonight, has become a cornerstone of American journalism, drawing over 8 million viewers nightly to the nation’s most-watched evening newscast. Since succeeding Diane Sawyer in 2014, Muir has redefined the program with his dynamic reporting, global dispatches from places like Ukraine and Haiti, and signature segments like Made in America. His accolades, including multiple Edward R. Murrow Awards and a 2024 Walter Cronkite Award, reflect his influence, culminating in his 2025 Time 100 recognition. Yet, beneath the polished broadcasts and soaring ratings lies a story of tension with his predecessor, Diane Sawyer, who reportedly felt “miffed” by Muir’s meteoric rise. “He’s just too perfect!” Sawyer quipped in her Time 100 tribute, a playful yet pointed remark that has fueled speculation about their relationship and the pressures of passing the torch at ABC News.

© ABC via Getty Images

David was named to the TIME 100 for 2025

Born on November 8, 1973, in Syracuse, New York, Muir grew up in a Catholic family, nurtured by parents Ronald Muir and Pat Mills, who co-parented him, his sister Rebecca, and two step-siblings after their divorce. His passion for journalism ignited early, inspired by Peter Jennings’ commanding presence on ABC’s evening news. “I was that kid glued to the TV, dreaming of telling stories,” Muir has said. At 13, he interned at WTVH-TV in Syracuse, fetching coffee and learning the newsroom’s pulse. After graduating magna cum laude from Ithaca College and studying abroad at the University of Salamanca, where he mastered Spanish, Muir began his career at WTVH, moved to WCVB-TV in Boston, and joined ABC News in 2003. His rise from anchoring World News Now to succeeding Sawyer was swift, marked by a knack for storytelling and a relentless work ethic.

Sawyer, a veteran journalist who anchored World News Tonight from 2009 to 2014, was a towering figure at ABC, known for her exclusive interviews with world leaders and her role on 60 Minutes. Her transition to Muir was framed as a natural handoff, with Sawyer stepping back to focus on investigative specials. However, her 2025 Time 100 tribute to Muir revealed a mix of admiration and mild frustration. Describing his frenetic pace—“loping up two flights of stairs, sliding into the anchor chair” without losing focus—she added, “I am lucky that my successor is also the irreverent friend I want to hang out with when the camera shuts down. Though I am also miffed that he’s the guy who can leap two flights of stairs, vault into the anchor chair, and never lose focus—or his breath.” The comment, delivered with humor, hinted at a deeper sentiment about Muir’s seemingly effortless ascent.

© Getty Images

He received his tribute from his friend and colleague Diane Sawyer

The “miffed” remark sparked buzz on X, with users speculating about professional jealousy. Some pointed to the competitive nature of network news, where anchors are under intense scrutiny. Sawyer, 79, had faced age-related critiques during her tenure, while Muir, then 40, brought youthful energy and a fresh face to the broadcast. His rapid success—leading World News Tonight to its largest ratings lead over NBC in 30 years—may have underscored the shift. “Diane’s a legend, but David’s a machine,” one X user posted, capturing the narrative of Muir as an unstoppable force. Others noted Sawyer’s mentorship, suggesting her comment was more affectionate than bitter, reflecting the challenge of watching a protégé outshine her legacy.

Muir’s style has indeed set him apart. His hands-on approach, from reporting in disaster zones like New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina to conducting a historic interview with Pope Francis in Spanish, showcases a versatility Sawyer championed but didn’t always replicate. His Made in America series, which boosted small businesses like a Pennsylvania toy maker by 30%, resonates with viewers, while his climate change specials raised $9 million for the World Food Program. Yet, his polish has drawn criticism, notably during his 2025 Los Angeles wildfire coverage, when a clothespin-tightened jacket led to accusations of vanity from commentators like Megyn Kelly. “Zoolander meets Anchorman,” one insider quipped, though ABC defended Muir, citing a producer’s quick fix in windy conditions.

The Sawyer-Muir dynamic also reflects broader tensions at ABC. Muir’s 2024 promotion to managing editor, granting him editorial control, reportedly strained relations with George Stephanopoulos, who retained the “chief anchor” title but lost key responsibilities. Insiders claimed Stephanopoulos threatened to quit, a claim ABC denied. This power shift may have echoed Sawyer’s experience, as Muir’s growing influence reshaped the network’s hierarchy. The 2025 move to new Hudson Square studios and staff layoffs added pressure, with Muir’s colleague Deborah Roberts marking the “end of an era” at the old headquarters.

Despite the drama, Muir and Sawyer’s relationship appears rooted in mutual respect. Sawyer mentored Muir, and their friendship endures, with Muir praising her as “a trailblazer” in a 2024 interview. Her Time tribute highlighted his “calm, respectful, and fearless” demeanor, a nod to his ability to handle high-stakes moments, like moderating the 2024 Harris-Trump debate, which drew both praise and conservative backlash for perceived bias. Muir’s ability to shrug off criticism—“My job is to ask tough questions”—mirrors Sawyer’s resilience, suggesting their bond transcends professional rivalry.

Muir’s personal life, kept private, offers context for his grounded approach. He’s devoted to his family, often visiting Rebecca’s farm in Borodino or celebrating his nieces and nephews, whom he calls his “squad.” His $7 million Skaneateles lakeside home, where he unwinds with his dog Axel, is a retreat from Manhattan’s pace. “That lake air—it’s home,” he’s said. His friendships with Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, forged over vacations in Greece, reveal a playful side, while his Instagram posts—Axel chasing beavers or Muir at Paris’ Sacre-Coeur—connect with fans.

© Getty Images

Diane hosted World News Tonight before David was named her successor in 2014

The “miffed” narrative may also stem from the industry’s evolution. Evening newscasts, while still drawing 18 million viewers across ABC, NBC, and CBS, face competition from streaming platforms. CBS’s Evening News lags behind, with Norah O’Donnell’s exit in January 2025 highlighting instability, while NBC’s Lester Holt moved to Dateline. Muir’s success, including Hulu documentaries and a 2025 Time 100 Gala appearance, positions him as a modern anchor, blending traditional gravitas with digital savvy. Sawyer, whose era predated social media’s rise, may have felt the weight of this shift.

© Getty Images

“I am lucky that my successor is also the irreverent friend I want to hang out with when the camera shuts down.”

Fans on X have rallied around Muir, with one writing, “Diane’s joking—David’s carrying her torch and then some.” Others see her comment as a reflection of the inevitable passing of time in a high-stakes industry. Muir’s trust with viewers, second only to Holt in a 2024 poll, stems from his empathy, evident in stories like his 2021 South Sudan reporting, where he spent hours with displaced families. “Trust is everything,” he’s said, a principle that defines his work, whether covering wildfires or mentoring young journalists through his Ithaca scholarship fund.

As World News Tonight continues to dominate and Muir co-hosts 20/20, the Sawyer “miffed” story is less about conflict and more about the complexities of legacy. Sawyer’s humor belies pride in her protégé, whose stamina and charisma have elevated ABC’s flagship. For Muir, the focus remains on the stories—global crises, American workers, human triumphs—that keep viewers tuning in. The drama, while juicy, is a footnote in a career built on connection and credibility.