Trump Cuts Federal Funding to NPR, PBS Nationwide

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to cease federal funding for the national organizations of NPR and PBS, citing concerns over alleged partisan programming and the need for journalistic independence. The order asserts that taxpayer-supported media is outdated given the current diversity of news options and claims that federal funding undermines the appearance of impartiality. Local stations, such as those in Little Rock and Iowa, warn that while the cuts target national organizations, local affiliates could see significant reductions in their budgets, especially in rural areas where federal support can account for up to half of total funding. Station managers emphasize that most local public radio budgets rely heavily on small donations, but federal cuts would force them to reconsider programming choices or seek alternative providers. The CPB, which has funding approved through 2027, has challenged the executive order in court, arguing the president exceeded his authority by attempting to remove board members. Public media leaders stress the vital role of federal funding in supporting educational and community programming, particularly in regions with fewer resources.