President Donald Trump has expressed a strong desire to terminate federal funding for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), citing concerns over perceived bias and financial inefficiency. During a White House meeting on March 25, 2025, Trump stated, “I would love to do that. I think it’s very unfair. It’s been very biased by the whole group.” He further remarked, “I’d be honored to see it end.”
This stance aligns with ongoing Republican efforts to scrutinize public broadcasting expenditures. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, chair of the House Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) subcommittee, has invited NPR CEO Katherine Maher and PBS CEO Paula Kerger to testify regarding their organizations’ federal funding and alleged partisan coverage. Greene emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “I want to hear why NPR and PBS think they should ever again receive a single cent from the American taxpayer.”
In response, Paula Kerger highlighted the potential consequences of funding cuts, noting, “Everything is at stake. The future of a number of our stations across the country will be in jeopardy if this funding is not continued.”
NPR and PBS receive a portion of their budgets from federal funds allocated through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). In 2025, CPB’s budget is approximately $545 million, with over $260 million supporting local public television stations and more than $80 million allocated to local public radio stations.1
The debate over public broadcasting funding is not new. Historically, Republican administrations have proposed defunding initiatives, arguing that public media should operate independently of government support. Conversely, proponents of public broadcasting contend that such funding ensures access to educational and cultural programming, especially in underserved communities.
As discussions continue, the future of federal support for NPR and PBS remains uncertain, with potential implications for public media operations nationwide.
