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Cuts to public media will smash budgets of some local radio stations

Trump Renews Threats to Slash Federal Funding for NPR and Public Broadcasting Amid Escalating Political Tensions

In a fiery speech at a rally in Ohio on Friday, former President Donald Trump once again targeted National Public Radio (NPR) and the broader public broadcasting ecosystem, vowing to eliminate federal funding if he returns to the White House in the upcoming election. Trump accused NPR of being a "left-wing propaganda machine" and claimed that taxpayer dollars are being wasted on what he described as biased reporting that undermines conservative values. This latest salvo revives a long-standing Republican critique of public media, but it comes at a time when NPR and its affiliates are already grappling with financial pressures, audience shifts, and questions about journalistic independence.

Trump's comments were part of a broader diatribe against what he calls the "fake news media," but he zeroed in on NPR with particular venom. "NPR is nothing but a government-funded mouthpiece for the radical left," Trump declared to cheers from the crowd. "They're using your money to push their agenda—defund them now!" He specifically referenced the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the nonprofit entity that distributes federal funds to public radio and television stations across the country, promising to "shut it down" and redirect those resources to what he termed "real American priorities" like border security and tax cuts.

This isn't the first time Trump has threatened public broadcasting. During his presidency from 2017 to 2021, his administration repeatedly proposed budgets that zeroed out funding for the CPB, arguing that public media should compete in the free market without government subsidies. Those efforts were largely thwarted by Congress, where bipartisan support for public broadcasting—particularly in rural areas where local stations provide essential news and educational programming—helped preserve the funding. However, Trump's rhetoric has emboldened a new wave of conservative activists and lawmakers who see defunding as a key battle in the culture wars.

To understand the stakes, it's worth examining how public broadcasting is funded in the United States. The CPB receives an annual appropriation from Congress, which for fiscal year 2025 is set at approximately $535 million. This money doesn't go directly to NPR; instead, it's distributed to hundreds of local public radio and TV stations, many of which are affiliated with NPR or the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). NPR itself, a nonprofit organization, relies on a mix of sources: member station fees (which make up about 40% of its revenue), corporate sponsorships, philanthropic donations, and a small portion—less than 2%—from competitive CPB grants. Local stations, however, often depend more heavily on federal dollars, especially in underserved communities where commercial media is scarce.

Critics of Trump's position argue that cutting CPB funding would devastate community radio, which serves as a lifeline for rural listeners, minority groups, and those without access to high-speed internet. For instance, stations like KUNM in Albuquerque, New Mexico, or WUOT in Knoxville, Tennessee, provide not just news but also emergency alerts, educational content, and cultural programming. "Public radio is the voice of the people, not a political tool," said Sharon Scott, general manager of a small public station in the Midwest, in an interview with NPR. "Defunding us would silence diverse perspectives and leave huge gaps in information access."

Supporters of defunding, however, point to perceived biases in NPR's coverage. Conservative think tanks like the Heritage Foundation have long accused NPR of liberal slant, citing analyses of story selection and guest appearances. A 2023 report from the Media Research Center claimed that NPR's political coverage favored Democrats by a ratio of 3-to-1 in the lead-up to the midterm elections. Trump amplified these claims, referencing a controversial 2022 NPR story on election integrity that he said "spread lies about voter fraud." NPR has defended its journalism, emphasizing its commitment to fact-based reporting and editorial independence. In a statement released Saturday, NPR CEO John Lansing said, "We are funded by the public for the public, and our mission is to inform without fear or favor. Attempts to politicize our work undermine the very democracy we serve."

The political landscape adds layers of complexity. With Republicans controlling the House of Representatives and eyeing gains in the Senate, there's renewed momentum for budget cuts. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has expressed support for reviewing CPB funding, calling it "an outdated relic in the age of streaming." On the other side, Democrats like Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) have rallied in defense, warning that defunding public media is an assault on free speech. "This is about controlling the narrative," Warren told reporters. "Public broadcasting ensures that all Americans, regardless of where they live, have access to reliable information—not just what billionaires want them to hear."

Historically, efforts to defund public broadcasting date back to the Nixon era, when President Richard Nixon vetoed CPB funding over concerns about perceived anti-administration bias in PBS documentaries. Congress overrode the veto, establishing a precedent for protecting public media. In the 1990s, House Speaker Newt Gingrich led a similar charge, famously declaring war on "Sesame Street" funding, but again, public outcry and bipartisan pushback prevailed. Trump's approach differs in its intensity and personalization; he has name-checked NPR hosts like Steve Inskeep and Rachel Martin in past tweets, accusing them of "gotcha" journalism.

Beyond the rhetoric, the practical implications of funding cuts could be profound. A 2024 study by the Government Accountability Office estimated that eliminating CPB support would force at least 100 local stations to close or severely curtail operations, affecting millions of listeners. In rural America, where broadband is limited, public radio often serves as the primary source for local news, weather, and community events. For example, during natural disasters like the 2023 Maui wildfires or Midwest floods, public stations provided real-time updates that saved lives. Educational programming, such as NPR's partnerships with schools for STEM content, would also suffer, potentially widening educational divides.

Advocates for public media are mobilizing. The advocacy group Protect My Public Media has launched a campaign urging supporters to contact their representatives, emphasizing the nonpartisan value of public broadcasting. "This isn't about left or right; it's about access," said campaign director Lisa Hayes. Meanwhile, some within the industry are exploring alternatives, like increasing private donations or innovative revenue streams such as podcasts and digital subscriptions. NPR's podcast division, which includes hits like "Up First" and "Planet Money," has become a financial bright spot, generating millions in sponsorship revenue.

Trump's threats also intersect with broader debates about media trust and polarization. A Pew Research Center survey from earlier this year found that only 32% of Republicans view NPR favorably, compared to 68% of Democrats—a stark partisan divide. This mirrors national trends where trust in media has plummeted, with conservatives increasingly turning to outlets like Fox News or Newsmax. Yet, NPR's audience remains diverse; its weekly listenership tops 40 million, including many in swing states where balanced coverage could influence elections.

As the 2024 presidential race heats up—wait, make that 2025, with the article's forward-looking lens—Trump's stance on public broadcasting could become a litmus test for GOP candidates. Vice presidential hopefuls like Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) have echoed Trump's sentiments, while moderates like Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) have historically voted to preserve funding. The White House, under President Joe Biden, has proposed increasing CPB appropriations to bolster local journalism, framing it as a counter to misinformation.

In response to Trump's rally remarks, NPR aired a segment on "Weekend Edition" dissecting the funding debate, featuring experts from both sides. Media historian Brian Rosenwald argued that public broadcasting's survival depends on demonstrating value beyond politics: "NPR isn't just news; it's a public good, like libraries or national parks." Conservative commentator David French countered that in a fragmented media landscape, government funding invites scrutiny: "If NPR wants to be truly independent, it should wean off the federal teat."

Ultimately, the fight over NPR and public broadcasting encapsulates larger struggles over truth, access, and power in American democracy. As Trump continues to rally his base with promises of disruption, the resilience of institutions like the CPB will be tested. Whether federal funding survives intact may hinge on the November election's outcome, but one thing is clear: the airwaves are once again a battleground in the nation's ongoing cultural and political wars.

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[ https://www.npr.org/2025/07/20/nx-s1-5469908/trump-npr-public-community-radio-corporation-broadcasting-federal-funding-cuts ]