Sen. Cruz Critiques NPR Bias, Calls for Defunding

Senator Ted Cruz criticized NPR for alleged left-wing bias, accusing the organization of taking millions in donations from liberal mega-donors and producing coverage that aligns with those donors’ agendas. He argued that NPR, which is required by the Communications Act to maintain objectivity and balance, fails to do so, citing the existence of dedicated news desks for climate and race issues funded by liberal donors. Cruz also referenced the resignation of senior editors, including Uri Berliner, who cited overwhelming bias and lack of viewpoint diversity at NPR. These criticisms came in the wake of President Trump's executive order to cut off taxpayer funding to NPR and PBS, a move defended by Cruz as necessary to ensure taxpayer money does not support partisan media. NPR CEO Katherine Maher has denied that the network has a story selection problem, though Cruz highlighted her past social media posts as evidence of ideological bias. The debate has drawn opposition from Democrats, such as Senator Maria Cantwell, who criticized the funding cuts.