President Trump signed an executive order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to cease federal funding for NPR and PBS, citing accusations of biased reporting. The order instructs the CPB to terminate direct funding and minimize indirect funding to the maximum extent allowed by law.
The CPB, a private entity, is suing Trump over previous attempts to remove board members and views the executive order as an infringement on its independence. They argue the executive order is unlawful interference.
The CPB distributes $535 million annually to public broadcasting stations. While Trump's previous attempts to eliminate funding were blocked by Congress, his current aggressive approach includes a request to claw back already appropriated funds. Republican opposition to NPR and PBS is countered by local support.
The potential impact of defunding is significant. Smaller stations, particularly in rural areas, may face closure if funding is eliminated. The White House has alleged that NPR and PBS spread biased news, a claim they deny.
The CPB's 1967 establishment sought to shield public media from political pressure; however, Congress could still choose to stop funding. The executive order's attempt to defund NPR and PBS, therefore, tests the legal limits set out for the CPB and its relationship with the government.