Trump Ends Federal Funding for NPR and PBS: A Sweeping Shakeup of Public Media

By Devin Breitenberg

In a bold and controversial move, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order cutting off federal funding for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), igniting a fierce national debate over media independence, freedom of the press, and the future of publicly funded journalism in the United States.

The executive order, titled "Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Biased Media," was issued on May 1 and directs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to terminate all financial support to NPR, PBS, and any affiliated local public broadcasting stations. The move is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to eliminate what it describes as “government-funded propaganda” and reduce what the president has long called a “left-wing media monopoly.”

The Executive Order: What It Does

According to the official text released by the White House, the executive order requires the CPB and all other federal agencies to "cease the distribution, disbursement, and facilitation of any and all funding to NPR, PBS, and their affiliate bodies, to the fullest extent permitted by law."

In addition, the order bars local public broadcasting stations from using federal grants to purchase programming from NPR or PBS. This affects not only flagship shows like PBS NewsHour and All Things Considered, but also thousands of hours of children’s programming, educational content, and cultural programming relied upon by underserved communities across the country.

“The American taxpayer should not be forced to subsidize media organizations that consistently promote a singular political agenda,” Trump said in a statement. “We are restoring fairness and ending the federal gravy train for biased media empires.”

Immediate Fallout from NPR and PBS

Leaders at NPR and PBS swiftly condemned the order, calling it a politically motivated attack on press freedom. NPR CEO Katherine Maher issued a public statement warning that the decision could have devastating consequences for journalism, particularly in rural America.

“This order undermines the ability of millions of Americans to access trusted news, local reporting, and emergency alerts. It is not only short-sighted but dangerous,” said Maher.

PBS President Paula Kerger emphasized the potential harm to children and educators who rely on non-commercial programming, particularly in low-income areas where access to broadband and other media options is limited.

“For decades, PBS has delivered free, educational programming to every household in America. This executive order threatens that legacy,” she said.

Legal Challenge and Constitutional Questions

Within 48 hours of the order’s signing, the CPB filed a federal lawsuit challenging its legality, citing provisions in the 1967 Public Broadcasting Act, which established the CPB as an independent nonprofit corporation insulated from political interference.

The suit argues that the president overstepped his constitutional authority, and that only Congress has the power to appropriate or terminate CPB funding. Legal analysts agree the case could escalate to the Supreme Court, where it may be weighed alongside ongoing debates about executive overreach.

“This raises profound First Amendment and separation of powers concerns,” said Professor Leah Martinez, a media law scholar at Georgetown University. “If a president can unilaterally defund media outlets based on their content, that opens the door to a chilling precedent.”

Reaction in Congress and the Public

Reactions in Congress have been divided along party lines. Senate Republicans have largely supported the move, arguing that taxpayers should not fund media entities that they perceive as politically slanted. House Democrats, meanwhile, have vowed to fight the order and restore funding through emergency appropriations.

“Public media is a vital part of our democratic infrastructure,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD). “This is not just about journalism—it’s about education, culture, and access to information.”

Public response has also been swift and emotional. Protests erupted outside NPR's Washington headquarters and PBS studios in New York, while online petitions demanding reinstatement of funding gained over 2 million signatures in less than 48 hours. Some celebrities and educators have voiced support for public media on social media using the hashtag #SavePBSNPR.

Impact on Local Stations and Rural America

While NPR and PBS receive only a fraction of their operating budgets directly from the federal government—roughly 1% for NPR and 15% for PBS—many local stations, especially those in rural or economically disadvantaged areas, rely on federal CPB grants for as much as 50% of their budgets.

Stations in places like Nebraska, Mississippi, and the Dakotas warn they may be forced to reduce programming, lay off staff, or shut down entirely if the funding is not restored. “This isn’t just about Sesame Street—it’s about weather alerts, school closings, and election coverage,” said Patricia Gomez, general manager of a PBS affiliate in New Mexico. “We serve communities no one else does.”

Broader Debate on Media and Government

This latest action has revived a longstanding debate about the role of government in funding journalism. Advocates of public media argue that it provides a crucial non-commercial counterbalance to profit-driven networks. Opponents argue that media should remain entirely market-driven and that public funds should not support entities accused of political bias.

“This is part of a larger battle over truth and trust in media,” said Dr. Henry Lim, a political scientist at the University of California, Berkeley. “And it’s being fought on the battleground of public institutions.”

What Comes Next?

As the legal battle unfolds, public media leaders are bracing for a prolonged period of uncertainty. Many are launching emergency fundraising campaigns to fill the potential financial gap, while legal teams prepare for what could be a landmark constitutional case.

Whether Trump’s order survives court scrutiny or is overturned by legislative or judicial action, its impact is already being felt across the country—and may shape the future of public media for years to come.

Devin Breitenberg is a legal consultant and senior counsel at Devin Law LLC and legal contributor  for Veritas Expositae.  You can reach her at devin.breitenberg@veritasexpositae.com