Trump Launches Latest Attack on a Free and Independent Press with Bid to Claw Back All Federal Funding for Public Broadcasting

WASHINGTON — On Tuesday, the Trump White House issued a rescission request, which according to press reports calls on Congress to claw back nearly $1.1 billion in already-approved federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the entity that provides federal support for NPR and PBS affiliates across the country. 

In early May, President Trump issued an executive order aiming to end federal support of NPR and PBS “to the maximum extent allowed by law.” Earlier in the year, Congress approved $535 million a year in federal spending for CPB through the end of 2027. 

The rescission request starts a process that gives Congress a window of 45 session days to adopt Trump’s request by a simple-majority vote in both chambers.

Free Press Action Co-CEO Craig Aaron said:

“Every healthy democracy on the planet has a well-funded public-media system. Trump’s despicable bid to end federal support for NPR and PBS is an attack on the foundations of democracy — and yet another attempt to destroy any media that might hold the president accountable. Public media acts as a counterbalance to a commercial media system that too often puts profits before the public interest and abandons its journalists to push through mergers or get special favors from those in power.

“Despite Trump’s repeated attacks and lies, public broadcasting remains an incredibly popular use of taxpayer dollars. Local stations provide trustworthy news and cultural programming, as well as lifesaving coverage during emergencies. Lawmakers in Congress should listen to their constituents and reject this package of unjust cuts.

“The Trump White House’s unhinged attempt to defund news outlets it deems biased smacks of censorship and chills freedom of the press. It’s a dangerous assault on independent journalism and public accountability — and it’s not happening in isolation. Brendan Carr, Trump’s top censor at the Federal Communications Commission, has launched an investigation into the underwriting practices of NPR and PBS, using it as a pretext to call for the elimination of funding. 

“After years of attacking journalists and lying about their work, it’s no surprise that Trump and his minions are trying to silence and shutter any newsroom that dares to ask him questions or show the devastating impact of his policies on local communities. Yet in many of those communities, the local public-media station is the only source of local journalism. Trump, of course, prefers fawning propaganda — which is all we’ll be left with if we don’t take a stand now.” 

Background: In February, Free Press Action Co-CEO Craig Aaron testified before the House Judiciary Committee about the Trump administration’s censorship against media viewpoints the president dislikes, calling it a “free-speech emergency.” In May 2024, he testified about false claims of bias at NPR and PBS. Free Press Action is leading grassroots efforts to craft public policy that supports local noncommercial news and information.