NPR sues Trump admin over funding cut

NPR and three Colorado public radio stations sued the Trump administration on Tuesday, challenging an executive order that blocks Congress-approved funding to the radio network and PBS.

The lawsuit, filed in Washington’s federal court, argues that the order violates the Constitution and the First Amendment’s free speech protections.

The suit names President Donald Trump, White House budget director Russell Vought, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson.

The executive order, signed earlier this month, directs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to freeze all federal funding to NPR and PBS.

The CPB distributes over $500 million annually to public radio and television stations across the country. 

While only 2% of NPR’s budget comes from federal grants, that funding is essential for local stations. PBS receives about 15% of its funding from federal sources.

NPR President Katherine Maher called the order “textbook retaliation” after Trump pointed out biased coverage as his reason behind the move.

The network also claims that Trump’s order violates a federal law since CPB cannot be controlled by federal agencies.

Congress had already funded CPB through 2027 to shield it from political pressure.

PBS, while not part of the suit, said it may also take legal action. Judge Randolph D. Moss will hear the case.