Trump Calls for End to US Public Broadcasting Funding: A New Front in the Media War

In another major escalation against the press, President Donald Trump has called for an immediate halt to federal funding for public broadcasters NPR (National Public Radio) and PBS (Public Broadcasting Service). Trump, who has been aggressively attacking media outlets since his return to the White House, labeled both NPR and PBS as “arms of the Radical Left Democrat Party.” His statement, made on his Truth Social platform, follows a congressional hearing where Republican lawmakers accused public broadcasters of spreading biased content and brainwashing the American people.

Trump’s Renewed Attack on the Media

Trump’s war with the media is nothing new. Throughout his political career, he has consistently labeled critical news outlets as “fake news” and even referred to journalists as the “enemy of the people.” His latest move to defund NPR and PBS aligns with his broader strategy of undermining media organizations that challenge his administration’s policies and narratives.

During a congressional hearing on Wednesday, House Republicans, led by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, intensified their calls to cut public media funding. Greene, a staunch Trump ally, argued that NPR and PBS promote left-wing propaganda, push LGBTQ narratives, and spread systemic racism ideology. “The content that is being put out through these state-sponsored outlets is so radical it is brainwashing the American people, and more significantly, American children,” Greene said.

She also accused NPR and PBS of being anti-family and pro-crime, echoing the broader Republican narrative that public broadcasters serve as ideological tools for liberal elites. “We will be calling for the complete and total defunding and dismantling of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB),” Greene declared.

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Its Funding

The CPB, a nonprofit corporation that oversees public broadcasting funds, has been in operation for nearly 60 years. It provides crucial financial support to NPR and PBS, ensuring access to news, education, and cultural programming for millions of Americans. The federal government has already approved more than $500 million in CPB funding through 2027, but Trump and his allies are now pushing for its immediate cancellation.

Katherine Maher, NPR’s chief executive, pushed back against the Republican-led attack, stating that NPR received approximately $120 million from CPB in 2025, which accounts for less than five percent of its total budget. “If federal funding for our network goes away, it means that people in rural parts of America would be harmed,” Maher warned, highlighting that NPR serves as a critical news source for communities with limited access to other media.

PBS, known for its educational programming, including iconic shows like Sesame Street, also relies on federal funding to reach underserved communities. According to estimates, around 40 million Americans listen to NPR each week, while 36 million watch PBS programming each month.

Trump’s Political Strategy and the Role of Congress

Trump’s push to defund public broadcasting fits within his broader strategy of consolidating conservative media influence while diminishing the reach of critical journalism. His administration has already restricted press access, sued news organizations, and encouraged right-wing outlets such as Fox News and Newsmax as preferred sources of information for his base.

The hearing also revealed deeper political divisions, with Democratic lawmakers fiercely opposing the Republican-led attack on public media. Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas criticized Greene and her allies, arguing that their real goal is “to shut down everybody that is not Fox News.” Democrat Stephen Lynch also took issue with the focus of the hearing, stating that Congress should be addressing urgent national security issues rather than engaging in media censorship efforts.

Despite Trump’s aggressive rhetoric, eliminating CPB funding would require congressional approval, which could face resistance in the Senate, where Democrats hold significant influence. However, with Trump’s continued influence over the Republican Party, his call to defund NPR and PBS signals an ongoing battle over media control and public information.

The Bigger Picture: Censorship and the Future of Public Media

The effort to defund NPR and PBS is part of a larger trend of political interference in media. Around the world, populist leaders have sought to weaken independent journalism by cutting funding, launching smear campaigns, and enacting policies that restrict press freedom. Trump’s actions mirror similar moves by authoritarian-leaning governments that attempt to control public narratives by silencing critical voices.

The push to defund public media could have far-reaching consequences. For many Americans, especially those in rural areas, NPR and PBS serve as essential sources of news, education, and cultural content. Removing public funding could limit access to information, leaving millions reliant on partisan or corporate-controlled media.

Furthermore, Trump's efforts raise concerns about political interference in journalism. Public broadcasting is meant to serve as an independent institution that provides objective news coverage and educational content. By attacking NPR and PBS as "radical left-wing platforms," Trump is politicizing media funding in a way that threatens press freedom.

The Road Ahead

While Trump’s demand for immediate defunding may not be implemented right away, it marks a new chapter in his long-standing war with the press. With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, public media funding could become a key issue in political debates, with Republicans pushing for budget cuts and Democrats defending the role of independent journalism.

For now, NPR and PBS remain operational, but their future remains uncertain as Trump and his allies continue their push to dismantle public broadcasting. The battle over media control in the United States is far from over, and the outcome will have lasting implications for press freedom, democracy, and public access to information.