In the first 100 days of President Donald Trump’s administration, a new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll revealed that less than half of Americans approve of his performance. Amid these low approval ratings, Trump signed an executive order aimed at cutting funding to NPR and PBS, characterizing them as biased and partisan. The order directs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to cease direct funding to these outlets, which have been deemed essential for providing credible news, especially during emergencies.
Trump’s administration has sought to leverage federal funding against institutions it perceives as unfavorable, labeling various media and academic institutions—including Harvard and Columbia—as leftist and “woke.” This ongoing campaign raises significant concerns about free speech and academic freedom, as human rights advocates warn that such actions could have a chilling effect on independent media.
In addition to the funding cuts, the CPB has taken legal action against the White House after Trump attempted to dismiss three of its five board members. Established by Congress in 1967, the CPB funds over 1,500 public radio and television stations across the U.S. Reports indicate that the White House plans to request Congress to rescind $1.1 billion in CPB funding, representing two years’ worth of financial support for public broadcasting.
Both NPR and PBS have previously stated that funding cuts would severely disrupt their services, impacting millions of Americans who rely on them for trusted news coverage. The situation underscores a growing tension between the Trump administration and public institutions, raising profound questions about the future of independent media in America.
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