Trump Directs CPB to Cut Federal Funding for NPR and PBS: What This Means for Public Broadcasting | CNN Business

President Donald Trump recently issued an executive order aimed at cutting off federal funding for major public broadcasters like National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). This move comes amid ongoing criticism from the White House and Republican lawmakers, who allege that these organizations display biased reporting.

The order directs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to stop direct funding for NPR and PBS as much as legally possible. It also encourages the CPB to minimize or eliminate any indirect funding.

In addition, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is tasked with looking into potential employment discrimination at NPR and PBS. Other federal agencies are instructed to identify and cut any direct or indirect funding to these media organizations.

This executive action follows a pattern of attacks on public broadcasters from the Trump administration and some Republicans. The CPB usually allocates about $535 million in taxpayer dollars annually to public radio and TV stations, which provide essential services like educational programs, emergency alerts, and diverse news content.

Critics warn that without this federal support, many local stations, especially in rural areas, could shut down. Ed Ulman, CEO of Alaska Public Media, highlighted that these stations often serve as the last locally owned broadcasters in their communities.

Adding to the tension, the CPB recently filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration after three of its board members were dismissed via email—three members initially appointed by President Joe Biden in 2022. Congress created the CPB as a private entity in 1967 to shield it from government oversight, ensuring it could operate independently.

This situation reflects broader concerns about media independence in an era where political leaders often criticize news organizations. A recent survey indicated that 63% of Americans believe media freedom is crucial for democracy, underlining the importance of independent journalism in a healthy society.

As this narrative unfolds, community reactions on social media show mixed feelings, from staunch support for free press to fervent backing for funding cuts, highlighting a polarized public opinion on the role and funding of public media.



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