Trump Threatens GOP Support Over PBS, NPR Funding Cuts

President Donald Trump has issued a stern ultimatum to Republicans running for re-election in 2026, warning that he will withhold his support or endorsement from any who do not vote to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds PBS and NPR. Trump condemned these public media outlets as biased, calling them "worse than CNN & MSDNC put together," and emphasized adherence to his rescissions bill that proposes cutting $1.1 billion in federal funding to public broadcasting as part of a broader $9.4 billion rescission package targeting foreign aid and other programs. The House has passed the bill narrowly, but its fate in the Senate remains uncertain due to opposition from some GOP senators concerned about the impact of cuts on rural stations and health programs such as AIDS relief. Senate Majority Leader John Thune anticipates an amendment process that could modify the bill, including the potential removal of public broadcasting cuts. Advocates and public media figures have actively campaigned against the proposal, highlighting the critical role of local stations that depend heavily on federal funds. The legislation must pass by July 18 or the funding will remain intact, representing a significant test of party unity and the Trump administration's influence over Republican lawmakers.