Trump Signs Order to Cut Federal Funding for PBS and NPR

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to eliminate federal funding for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR), citing the need to reduce government spending and reallocate resources to “higher priorities.”

The order, signed at the White House earlier today, directs the Office of Management and Budget to begin phasing out federal allocations to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which funds both PBS and NPR. The administration claims the move is part of a broader plan to streamline federal expenditures.

According to the order, the CPB’s funding will be reduced over the next fiscal year before being fully eliminated. Officials said the decision will not immediately affect ongoing programming but may impact future content and operations if alternative funding is not secured.

The CPB, established in 1967, currently receives around $500 million annually from the federal budget. PBS and NPR rely on this funding to support local affiliates and produce national programming.

Critics argue the move threatens educational content and journalism that serve underserved communities. Supporters say the media organizations should rely entirely on private donations and sponsorships.

The White House has not announced any replacement plans for educational or cultural programming currently supported by PBS and NPR.