A federal judge has blocked President Trump’s executive order defunding NPR and PBS, calling it unconstitutional.
Judge Randolph Moss ruled the order violated the First Amendment by targeting outlets based on political viewpoint. The order, issued in May 2025, directed all federal agencies to halt funding for both organizations.
Despite the ruling, practical impact is limited. Congress had already eliminated the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s $1.1 billion budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. In response, CPB dissolved in January 2026.
NPR and PBS continue operations through alternative funding but have made significant budget cuts. Federal funding previously supported educational programming, emergency broadcasts, and journalist safety efforts.
Moss emphasized that the executive order represented unlawful viewpoint discrimination. He cited statements from Trump and the White House that explicitly criticized NPR and PBS for perceived liberal bias in coverage.
The White House condemned the ruling as "ridiculous" and vowed to appeal. NPR CEO Katherine Maher hailed it as a win for press freedom. PBS called it a rejection of unconstitutional government censorship.
Re-establishment of CPB remains unlikely without congressional action, which appears improbable under current leadership.