The administration of President Donald Trump is set to request that Congress rescind $1.1 billion—equivalent to approximately two years of funding—from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which provides support to PBS and NPR.
The White House stated Monday, “Taxpayer funding for the biased content of NPR and PBS is a misallocation of resources.”
On Tuesday, Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought confirmed that the administration intends to retract the CPB’s funding that has been approved by Congress, which partially finances the member stations of the two largest public broadcasters in the country.
During an interview with Fox Business on Tuesday, Vought accused NPR and PBS of disseminating “leftist news for decades and engaging in cultural indoctrination for the last four or five years.” The administration’s plans to rescind the funds were initially reported by POLITICO and The New York Post.
According to financial disclosures, CPB funding constitutes about 13 percent of the revenue for local public media stations. However, this funding is distributed unevenly, significantly aiding smaller markets more than larger ones. CPB also emphasizes that for every federal dollar funded, stations generate $7 from various donations, including contributions from “state and local governments, universities, businesses, foundations, and individual viewers and listeners,” highlighting the essential role of these stations in their communities.
Paula Kerger, CEO of PBS, expressed in a statement that losing this funding “would be catastrophic for PBS member stations and the vital services they provide, especially in smaller and rural areas that depend on federal funding for a significant portion of their budgets.”
The proposal to ask for rescission follows a recent testimony by Kerger and NPR CEO Katherine Maher before the House Oversight subcommittee focused on government efficiency.
WATCH: NPR and PBS leadership face intense scrutiny regarding federal funding during House hearing
The proposed cuts are part of a larger rescission request estimated at around $9 billion, which also targets funding for USAID and State Department programs. As the Trump administration seeks to retract money that has already been allocated, they must adhere to formal impoundment procedures, including notifying Congress through a memo. Congress then has 45 days to respond to the request, either approving, rejecting, or ignoring it. The funds will only be rescinded if a majority in both the House and Senate agree; if not, the administration is obligated to allocate the funds as originally intended.
WETA, a public television station that serves northern Virginia and the Washington metro area, receives CPB support. WETA is responsible for producing PBS News Hour and Washington Week with The Atlantic, among other local and national programs.
The White House is anticipated to submit its funding request to Congress on April 28.
Insightful, trustworthy journalism, for everyone.
Your tax-deductible donation ensures our vital reporting continues to thrive. Support PBS News Hour now.
