NPR and three Colorado public radio stations have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over an executive order that aims to cut federal funding for NPR and PBS. This legal action was taken on March 26, 2025, during a House Oversight Committee hearing held at the U.S. Capitol, where NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher testified.
The lawsuit claims that the executive order, which prohibits the use of Congressionally appropriated funds for NPR and PBS, is unconstitutional and violates the First Amendment. The legal brief states that the order targets these organizations because the President believes their content is not "fair, accurate, or unbiased."
NPR argues that the administration is infringing on Congress’s power to allocate federal funds and is retaliating against them for their news coverage. The lawsuit names several key figures, including President Trump and White House budget director Russell Vought, as defendants.
The complaint highlights that Trump’s executive order is a clear act of retaliation and poses a significant threat to public broadcasting, which millions of Americans rely on for news and information. Maher stated that the executive order violates constitutional protections for freedom of speech and the press.
PBS is not part of the lawsuit but is considering its own legal options to ensure it can continue providing essential programming. The three Colorado stations involved in the lawsuit are Colorado Public Radio, Aspen Public Radio, and KSUT, which serves several Native American tribes.
Trump’s executive order specifically instructs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) not to fund NPR or PBS, claiming that these organizations produce biased media. The CPB, which distributes over half a billion dollars annually to public broadcasters, is designed to operate independently of the federal government. The lawsuit argues that Trump’s actions are an overreach of presidential authority.
NPR typically receives about 1% of its annual revenue from the CPB, which is crucial for its operations. The relationship between NPR and local stations is tightly woven, as NPR provides content and support to its member stations.
This lawsuit is part of a broader pattern of tension between the Trump administration and media outlets. Trump has previously criticized NPR and PBS, labeling them as "left-wing propaganda." His administration has also targeted other media organizations, raising concerns about press freedom and government interference in journalism.
As the case moves forward, the outcome could have significant implications for public media funding and the independence of news organizations in the United States.