Trump Proposes Cutting Nearly All Federal Funding for NPR

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 16, 2025 | 8:58pm CT

NPR

The Trump administration is considering cutting nearly all federal funding for public media, including NPR and PBS, a move outlined in a draft memo to Congress. According to a White House official, the memo accuses the networks of propagating "radical, woke propaganda" under the guise of news. Scheduled for submission when Congress returns on April 28, this proposal starts a 45-day period for legislative action to either approve the cut or restore the funds.

During a recent House Oversight subcommittee hearing, PBS and NPR leaders defended their organizations' commitment to nonpartisan and accessible programming. NPR CEO Katherine Maher highlighted that the potential $1.1 billion cut for 2026 and 2027 would primarily impact member stations, particularly those in rural or complex geographic areas, threatening their operation.

In an interview on NPR, Maher emphasized that while NPR receives only about 1% of its budget from federal sources, this funding is vital for member stations, supporting essential services and enhancing the network's national coverage. Without it, many local newsrooms, especially in undercovered areas, could disappear, she warned. Despite the proliferation of digital media, Maher argued for the continued relevance of public broadcasting, particularly in regions with limited access to other news forms. She also defended the role of public funding in maintaining editorial independence and broad service coverage.