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2d ago

NPR and PBS File Lawsuits to Block Trump’s Defunding of Public Broadcasting

Broadcasters argue it constitutes unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination under the First Amendment, threatening local stations reliant on federal grants

A stuffed Cookie Monster is seated in a control room at the Arizona PBS offices at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication in Phoenix, Friday, May 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Katie Oyan)
The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) headquarters is seen on May 2, 2025 in Arlington, VA.
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A 3D-printed miniature model of U.S. President Donald Trump with the PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) logo in the background is seen in this illustration taken April 23, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

Overview

  • President Trump’s May 1 executive order directed the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to stop funding NPR and PBS, citing alleged bias in their coverage.
  • NPR filed suit earlier this week and on May 30 PBS joined Lakeland PBS in a Washington, D.C., complaint that the order violates the First Amendment and the Administrative Procedure Act.
  • The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has refused to comply and separately sued after the administration sought to remove three of its board members, asserting its statutory independence.
  • Stations warn that losing federal support—up to 37% of some local budgets—could force cuts to local news, children’s programming and educational outreach.
  • Congress has already allocated $535 million for public media this fiscal year and faces a June rescission request requiring approval within 45 legislative days.