NPR, Colorado Stations Sue Trump Over Federal Funding Cuts

National Public Radio (NPR) and three affiliated public radio stations—Aspen Public Radio, Colorado Public Radio, and KSUT Public Radio—have filed a federal lawsuit against President Donald Trump challenging an executive order that cuts off their federal funding. The lawsuit argues that the executive order violates the First Amendment by retaliating against NPR for perceived unfavorable content and constitutes viewpoint-based discrimination and content censorship. Signed on May 1, the order directs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to cease funding to NPR and PBS and prohibits local stations receiving CPB funds from supporting these organizations financially. NPR CEO Katherine Maher condemned the order as a clear constitutional violation that undermines the independence and mission of public media, which serves millions of Americans with vital news and information. The lawsuit seeks to block the executive order permanently, maintaining the status quo so listeners will continue to have access to NPR’s national programming. Legal representatives emphasize that the executive order is an unlawful overreach that infringes upon freedom of speech, press, and association, and they assert that the president lacks authority to issue such a directive.