Trump Signs Executive Order to Cut Federal Funding for PBS and NPR
On Thursday, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at cutting federal funding to PBS and NPR, accusing the public broadcasters of promoting “radical, woke propaganda” under the guise of news reporting.
The executive order directs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and other relevant federal agencies to cease all direct and indirect financial support for the two organizations.
In a joint statement, PBS and NPR, which receive approximately $500 million annually through CPB funding, noted that this action comes amid increasing criticism from Republican lawmakers since Trump’s presidency began.
This move is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to defund or restructure institutions it views as politically and ideologically opposed.
Paula Kerger, the CEO of PBS, expressed concern that the funding cuts would “disrupt the essential services” that public media provides, particularly in the areas of children’s programming and local news coverage.
“PBS has long enjoyed bipartisan support, and its mission is deeply American,” Kerger emphasized.
This executive order follows a proposal earlier in the month for a $9.1 billion budget reduction package, which included eliminating CPB funding, though this measure has yet to be introduced to Congress.
The CPB has also taken legal action against the Trump administration over its attempt to remove three of the five members of its board, claiming the move would cripple the organization’s ability to function and violate legal norms.
At the same time, the administration has been working to overhaul the US Agency for Global Media, which oversees outlets such as Voice of America and Radio Free Europe.
Some of these efforts have faced legal challenges, with federal courts questioning the scope of executive power.
