CPB Sues White House to Block Board Member Firings

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 29, 2025 | 6:00pm CT

Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) filed a lawsuit Monday against the White House, seeking to block the removal of three of its five board members by President Donald Trump reports Reuters. Created by Congress in 1967, the nonprofit CPB distributes federal funds to more than 1,500 local public radio and television stations, including those affiliated with PBS and NPR.

In its complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, the CPB is also seeking a temporary restraining order to stop the dismissals. "Because the president has no authority over the CPB, he has no authority to terminate its board members as he has purported to do here," the lawsuit argues.

According to the suit, White House Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel Trent Morse sent emails to board members Thomas Rothman, Laura Ross, and Diane Kaplan seeking their removal. The CPB maintains that such actions violate the law and run contrary to congressional intent, which was to ensure the board's independence and prevent political interference.

U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss has set a hearing for May 14. The government must respond to the CPB's request by May 6, with the board's reply due by May 9.

The White House has not commented on the case. However, recent reports suggest the administration may ask Congress to rescind $1.1 billion in funding for PBS and NPR.

The CPB is also currently suing the Federal Emergency Management Agency over a separate issue involving a $38.3 million funding freeze for the country's Next Generation Warning System.