U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to halt federal funding to NPR and PBS, escalating his administration’s campaign against media outlets he deems biased. Released Thursday, the order instructs the CPB to “cease direct funding” and prevent future grants to the two public broadcasters, citing their alleged partisan reporting.
The Trump administration has frequently criticized institutions it labels “leftist” or “woke,” including universities and media organizations. This latest move follows earlier attempts to defund Voice of America and other U.S. government-funded international broadcasters—a campaign a federal judge recently blocked.
NPR and PBS warn the funding cut would jeopardize critical media services, especially for underserved communities who rely on public broadcasting for trustworthy local and national news, particularly in times of crisis. Trump’s order also seeks to block indirect funding by urging the CPB to prevent local stations and affiliates from channeling federal funds to the broadcasters.
The CPB, a nonprofit created by Congress in 1967, funds over 1,500 public radio and TV stations nationwide. It sued the White House on Monday after Trump attempted to dismiss three of its five board members. Reports suggest the White House may soon ask Congress to rescind $1.1 billion in CPB funding—equivalent to two years of appropriations.
The funding threats come amid broader cost-cutting measures under Trump and billionaire ally Elon Musk, which have led to over 200,000 federal job cuts and attempts to dismantle various agencies. NPR employs over 900 staff, while PBS reportedly had more than 550 employees as of late 2022.
Critics warn the executive order raises serious concerns about press freedom and government overreach.