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NPR and Colorado stations sue Trump over $535 million public broadcasting funding cut

The lawsuit asserts the president lacked authority to cancel a Congress-approved appropriation as retaliation for unfavorable coverage.

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Overview

  • On May 27, NPR and three Colorado public radio stations filed a federal lawsuit challenging President Trump’s May 1 executive order rescinding the $535 million annual appropriation for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
  • The complaint argues the order violates First Amendment protections by unlawfully retaliating against outlets critical of the administration and exceeds executive authority over congressional appropriations.
  • Colorado Public Radio warns the loss of federal support—which accounts for about 5% of its operating budget—would jeopardize local news coverage, emergency alert systems and educational programming for its 281,100 weekly news listeners.
  • The lawsuit cites two recent Supreme Court rulings prohibiting government officials from punishing or suppressing disfavored expression as key legal precedent.
  • Public broadcasters are preparing for possible service disruptions and exploring alternative funding sources as the case moves through the courts.