US President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order directing the end of federal funding for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), accusing both outlets of biased reporting.
“Neither entity presents a fair, accurate, or unbiased portrayal of current events to taxpaying citizens,” Trump stated in the order. The directive calls on the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and all relevant federal agencies to halt funding.
Although both NPR and PBS rely primarily on private donations, they receive partial support from the CPB. NPR’s director Katherine Maher recently noted the network is projected to receive \$120 million from the CPB in 2025—just under 5% of its total budget.
Trump, who has frequently labeled mainstream media as “the enemy of the people,” has maintained a close relationship with conservative outlet Fox News, several of whose hosts have held positions in his administration.
Despite the executive order, Congress has already approved CPB’s funding through 2027, raising legal questions about the order’s enforceability.
NPR and PBS reach millions of Americans monthly—NPR through radio, and PBS through local television stations.
Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) warned Friday of a worsening press freedom climate in the U.S., calling the situation “unprecedented” for independent journalists globally.
