Trump signs executive order directing federal funding cuts to PBS and NPR

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to cut federal funding for PBS and NPR, citing alleged bias in their reporting. The order directs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and other federal agencies to cease funding and seek out indirect public financing sources for these news organizations. The White House stated that these outlets receive taxpayer money to spread "radical, woke propaganda." This action is part of a broader pattern by the Trump administration to use federal powers to control or hinder institutions with viewpoints it disagrees with. Republicans have long expressed concerns about PBS and NPR, and the broadcasters have been preparing for potential funding cuts since Trump's election. PBS CEO Paula Kerger stated that rescinding funding would disrupt the essential services PBS and its local stations provide. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting had previously sued Trump over his attempt to remove members of its board, arguing he exceeded his authority. This move against public media follows efforts by the administration to dismantle the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which includes Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, though these efforts have faced legal challenges.