Trump Signs Executive Order to Cut NPR and PBS Funding
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to cut off federal funding to NPR and PBS, accusing both outlets of pushing “biased and partisan” content. The order tells the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which distributes the funds, to halt all direct and indirect support “to the maximum extent allowed by law.” The White House doubled down on the move, stating that taxpayer money should not be used to support what it called “radical, woke propaganda disguised as ‘news.’”
The administration’s push to strip funding is part of a broader crackdown on institutions Trump sees as politically opposed to him. His cost-cutting campaign, often paired with accusations of bias, has targeted everything from universities to public arts and media agencies. CPB, which supports more than 1,500 local stations, is also suing Trump over his attempt to remove three board members, a move that critics say could paralyze the organization.
The leaders at PBS and NPR have warned that the cuts would severely disrupt services for millions of Americans, particularly in rural areas. PBS president Paula Kerger described public broadcasting as a “bipartisan” and “essential service,” while NPR director Katherine Maher said that federal funding makes up a small but critical part of their budget. Meanwhile, press freedom groups have expressed concern, saying that the order signals a growing hostility toward independent journalism in the U.S. under Trump.
