NEW YORK — National Public Radio and three affiliated local stations have filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump, claiming that his recent executive order cutting federal funding to the network infringes upon their freedom of expression. The suit asserts that the measure relies on authority not granted to the president.
Earlier this month, Trump directed the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and other federal agencies to halt financial support for NPR and PBS, a move that his administration justifies by alleging that these outlets exhibit a liberal bias in their reporting, making them unworthy of taxpayer funding.
The lawsuit expresses that the executive order is fundamentally punitive. It was filed in Washington, D.C., and includes Colorado Public Radio, Aspen Public Radio, and KUTE, Inc., representing a diverse cross-section of local media in both urban and rural settings.
Katherine Maher, CEO of NPR, stated that the order attempts to compel NPR to alter its editorial decisions and journalistic integrity to match government preferences in exchange for federal funding.
The lawsuit additionally argues that Trump’s actions conflict with the mission of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which is designed to distribute federal funds to NPR and PBS while protecting them from political interference. Congress has allocated $535 million annually to support the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for the upcoming fiscal years of 2025, 2026, and 2027.
In response, White House deputy press secretary Harrison Fields asserted that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is using taxpayer money to create media that favors a specific political ideology. He emphasized that the president’s actions are within his legal rights to ensure efficient use of public funds.
Trump has long criticized NPR, labeling it a “liberal disinformation machine” in a social media post from April.
The legal confrontation seemed inevitable as leaders from both NPR and PBS publicly denounced Trump’s funding cuts earlier this month, arguing the order is unconstitutional. PBS has yet to join the lawsuit, but is contemplating legal action to safeguard its ability to deliver vital programming.
The president’s attempts to reshape government-funded media have sparked similar legal challenges, including conflicts involving Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. His administration has faced scrutiny from various news organizations, including investigations by the Federal Communications Commission into major networks like ABC, CBS, and NBC.
The lawsuit cites that 11% of Aspen Public Radio’s budget and 19% of KUTE’s operational funding come from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. For Colorado Public Radio, which operates 19 stations, that figure stands at 6%.
NPR notes that the executive order would prevent local stations from utilizing federal funds to acquire programming, including its flagship shows like “All Things Considered” and “Morning Edition,” as well as cultural offerings such as the popular Tiny Desk concerts. The lawsuit contends that this development would compromise the editorial independence of the stations.
Moreover, NPR provides essential infrastructure to numerous public radio stations across the country, and discontinuation of this support could diminish their service areas. NPR also plays a critical role in maintaining emergency alert systems nationwide.
Maher emphasized the importance of public broadcasting, stating it serves as a crucial component of American civic life, reflecting the complexity and diversity of the nation while fostering connections across communities.
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