Trump Orders Funding Cuts for NPR, PBS; CEO Declares Independence

President Donald Trump signed an executive order aiming to strip federal funding from NPR and PBS, citing concerns about political bias and labeling their coverage as left-leaning. The order instructs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which distributes federal funds to these broadcasters, to halt both direct and indirect funding to the 'maximum extent allowed by law.' However, CPB President Patricia Harrison emphasized that only Congress, not the President, has the authority to defund the CPB, as it is a private nonprofit independent from executive control and was specifically structured by Congress to prevent federal interference. The White House has also indicated plans to ask Congress to rescind $1.1 billion in CPB funding, though local stations, especially in rural areas, depend on this support. NPR and PBS leaders warn that the proposed cuts would severely impact local stations, with NPR's CEO acknowledging past editorial missteps but defending the organization's independence. Ultimately, any permanent funding changes require Congressional action, not unilateral executive orders.