During his second campaign trail, Donald Trump threatened a renewed battle against the media, referring to journalists as “the enemy of the American people.” Now, barely 100 days into his second term, he has begun to deliver on that promise. Recently, Trump has targeted public media by eliminating federal funding for NPR and PBS, a move that could impact hundreds of local stations nationwide.
Trump’s Executive Order on Public Media Funding
On Thursday, Trump signed an executive order instructing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to stop funding for NPR and PBS, organizations he has previously labeled as “radical left ‘monsters.’” The order states, “Government funding of news media in this environment is not only outdated and unnecessary but corrosive to the appearance of journalistic independence.”
White House Statements on Media Bias
The messaging from the White House was direct and forceful. In a Friday statement, officials asserted that both organizations “receive tens of millions of dollars in taxpayer funds each year to spread radical, woke propaganda disguised as ‘news’.” They cited examples such as NPR’s apology for using the term “illegal” and a PBS documentary on reparations, alongside content about transgender communities.
The Role of CPB in Public Broadcasting
The CPB is a private, nonprofit entity established by Congress in 1967 through the Public Broadcasting Act. Its mandate is to ensure “maximum freedom” for public media, insulating it from “extraneous interference and control.”
Reactions from Public Broadcasting Leaders
Following the executive order, PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger described the move as “blatantly unlawful,” stating it “threatens our ability to serve the American public with educational programming.” Similarly, Kate Riley, CEO of America’s Public Television Stations, expressed concern that Trump’s order would “devastate the public safety, educational, and local service missions of public media.”
Impact of Funding Cuts on Local Stations
According to the Washington Post, the CPB receives approximately $535 million (about €500 million) annually. It distributes these funds through grants to over 1,500 public radio and television stations, focusing particularly on content for underserved audiences. While you may think of beloved programs like Sesame Street, CPB funding also supports essential public safety services, such as the PBS Warn System. Riley highlighted that these funding restrictions would severely impact local stations serving smaller and more rural communities.
Trump Administration’s Broader War on Media
In its first 100 days, the Trump administration has employed various tactics to target and suppress the media. This includes a legal dispute with Associated Press reporters after blocking them from White House events due to the AP’s refusal to adopt the administration’s preferred nomenclature for the Gulf of Mexico: “Gulf of America.” The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression condemned this move as a clear violation of press freedom, asserting, “The role of the press is to hold those in power accountable, not to act as their mouthpiece.” A recent report by the Committee to Protect Journalists noted how the Trump administration is “chipping away” at press freedom, prompting an early evaluation of its impact.
Legal Challenges to Trump’s Actions
In addition to targeting CPB funding, Trump attempted to remove three of its board members, including two Biden appointees. While the president can appoint board members, he lacks the authority to dismiss them—a fact that led the CPB to file a lawsuit against these moves. They are also expected to legally contest Trump’s executive order.
“CPB is not a federal executive agency subject to the President’s authority,” stated CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison. “Congress expressly forbade any direction or control over educational television or radio broadcasting, or over CPB and its grantees or contractors.”
Potential Court Challenges and the Bigger Picture
Although the executive order can be challenged legally, Georgetown law professor Stephen Vladeck warns that winning such lawsuits may not be the primary objective. Instead, he argues, the Trump administration’s actions are “designed to intimidate and shift the conversation.”
Implications for Journalism and Democracy
Trump’s ongoing attacks on journalism are part of a larger effort to consolidate power. From attempts to silo data into a master database to bringing independent agencies under tighter control, these actions highlight a strategy to control the flow of information—a pivotal factor in maintaining civic engagement and accountability.
FAQs about Trump’s Media Actions
What is the purpose of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)?
The CPB is a nonprofit corporation established to promote public broadcasting and ensure that public media serves the educational and informational needs of the American public without outside interference.
How much federal funding do NPR and PBS receive?
The CPB allocates approximately $535 million (about €500 million) a year, which supports over 1,500 public radio and television stations.
What are the implications of Trump’s executive order on public media?
The order aims to eliminate federal funding for NPR and PBS, which could severely undermine their operations and the quality of public programming, particularly for underserved audiences.
How has the White House justified cutting funding?
The White House claims that these organizations use taxpayer dollars to promote “radical, woke propaganda” rather than unbiased news reporting.
Can Trump’s actions be legally challenged?
Yes, Trump’s executive order can be challenged in court. The CPB has stated that it will likely oppose the order and has already initiated legal action regarding other executive moves that violate its independence.