Trump Reignites Push to Defund NPR and PBS Amid Bias Allegations

In a bold move that has reignited debates over media bias and government funding, former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on March 26, 2025, to advocate for the defunding of National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Labeling these institutions as “horrible and completely biased platforms,” Trump’s post set off a firestorm of reactions. The following day, lawmakers convened for a contentious congressional hearing that underscored deep partisan divides over the role of public broadcasting in American society.

The Congressional Showdown: A Clash Over Media Bias

During the House subcommittee hearing, NPR CEO Katherine Maher and PBS CEO Paula Kerger faced fierce questioning from Republican lawmakers. Leading the charge was Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who accused both organizations of promoting left-leaning narratives. She referenced an essay by former NPR editor Uri Berliner, which criticized the outlet for lacking ideological diversity, particularly in its handling of controversial stories like Hunter Biden’s laptop. Additionally, Greene highlighted a recent incident involving a New York City PBS affiliate that mistakenly posted a clip featuring a drag performer—a segment that never aired on children’s programming but still drew significant backlash.

Maher acknowledged some editorial missteps, stating, “Our current editorial leadership thinks [Hunter Biden laptop coverage] was a mistake, as do I.” Despite her admission, tensions remained high, with critics dismissing it as insufficient. The hearing laid bare the challenges faced by public broadcasters attempting to navigate polarized political landscapes while maintaining journalistic integrity.

The Funding Debate: What’s at Stake?

Federal funding for public broadcasting has long been a contentious issue. For PBS, approximately 16% of its budget comes from congressional appropriations, while NPR receives just 1% directly. However, NPR’s member stations rely heavily on grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which is allocated $500 million annually. On average, these stations derive about 10% of their funding from CPB grants.

Defunding efforts could disproportionately affect rural communities, where local stations depend on federal support to deliver essential news and educational programming. History suggests such attempts may face hurdles; previous efforts led by figures like Newt Gingrich in the 1990s and Trump during his first term ultimately failed to gain traction. Nonetheless, the introduction of a bill by Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas underscores the persistence of this debate.

Elon Musk Amplifies Criticism

Adding fuel to the fire, Elon Musk—now serving as Trump’s Head of Government Efficiency—joined the chorus criticizing NPR and PBS. Musk described NPR as “extremely biased” and PBS as leaning “far left,” echoing his ongoing critique of mainstream media. His feud with journalists dates back years, including actions such as banning reporters from X (formerly Twitter) and accusing outlets like the Associated Press of engaging in “propaganda.” Notably, the AP recently faced repercussions after refusing to adopt Trump’s rebranded term, “Gulf of America,” instead of the widely accepted “Gulf of Mexico.”

Musk’s involvement adds another layer of complexity to the discussion, given his influence over digital media platforms and his ability to shape public discourse.

Investigations and Public Opinion

As the controversy unfolds, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched an investigation into allegations that NPR and PBS violated nonprofit regulations by airing content resembling commercials. Both networks deny any wrongdoing, arguing that they adhere strictly to FCC guidelines. Meanwhile, public opinion remains divided. According to a Pew Research poll, 43% of Americans support continued federal funding for public broadcasting, while 24% oppose it.

This split reflects broader societal divisions regarding trust in media and perceptions of fairness. For many, the debate transcends financial considerations—it’s about who controls the narrative and shapes public understanding.

What Comes Next?

The battle over NPR and PBS funding highlights deeper questions about the future of journalism in an increasingly polarized nation. While rural stations brace for potential cuts, advocates argue that public broadcasting plays a vital role in fostering informed citizenship. Critics, however, contend that taxpayer dollars should not subsidize what they perceive as biased reporting.

Regardless of the outcome, this debate underscores the enduring importance of media literacy and the need for transparent, accountable journalism. As discussions continue, stakeholders must grapple with how best to balance ideological diversity, editorial independence, and equitable access to information, all while navigating the complex interplay between politics and public service.

By addressing these challenges head-on, the conversation surrounding NPR and PBS funding can evolve into an opportunity to redefine the standards of modern journalism. Whether or not defunding measures succeed, the implications will resonate far beyond Capitol Hill, shaping the trajectory of public broadcasting for years to come.