PBS, NPR Sue Trump Over Public Media Funding

PBS, a Minnesota member station, and NPR have filed lawsuits against President Trump and his administration over a May 1, 2025 executive order seeking to end federal funding for PBS and NPR, alleging it constitutes viewpoint discrimination and violates both the First Amendment and the Public Broadcasting Act. PBS contends the President lacks authority to direct the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) regarding funding, as CPB is an independent, non-governmental body. The lawsuits argue the order targets public broadcasters for their content and threatens editorial independence, with public broadcasters warning that defunding could force local stations off the air. The Trump administration maintains the order is a lawful step to prevent taxpayer support of partisan media and has also attempted to remove CPB board members, leading CPB to sue as well. The court is being asked to declare Trump’s order unconstitutional and prevent its enforcement. The outcome could have significant implications for public media funding and editorial freedom in the U.S.