Staff Reports
President Trump stood firm against taxpayer-funded media this week. He told reporters he’d “be honored” to see NPR and PBS lose federal money. “It’s very unfair,” he said. “We don’t need it. It’s a waste.” Conservative lawmakers cheered the move. They’ve fought for decades to stop what they call “left-wing propaganda” paid for by hardworking Americans.
The federal government gives over $500 million yearly to public broadcasting through a group called the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Only 1% of NPR’s money comes from taxpayers. PBS stations get about 16%. Critics say even that small amount lets liberal activists control the news. “They push a political agenda instead of facts,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. She introduced a bill to block all federal support for these networks.
House Republicans are turning up the heat. A powerful committee led by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene will grill NPR and PBS bosses on Wednesday. The hearing’s called “Anti-American Airwaves.” Conservatives point to biased coverage of stories like Hunter Biden’s laptop and COVID origins. They say public media failed to hold Democrats accountable while attacking Republicans.
Some worry rural areas could lose local news if funding stops. But supporters of the cuts argue times have changed. “We have more media choices than ever,” said FCC leader Brendan Carr. “Why should taxpayers fund old-fashioned TV and radio?” Elon Musk’s government efficiency team wants to slash “wasteful” programs. They say NPR and PBS should survive on donations and ads like real news outlets.
The battle isn’t new. Trump tried to cut public media funding during his first term. Back then, even some Republicans blocked him. Now, with total GOP control in Washington, conservatives smell victory. A plan called Project 2025 – seen as Trump’s roadmap – demands ending these “liberal handouts.”
Public broadcasters claim they’re unbiased. PBS says nearly half its viewers are conservative. NPR points to ethics rules about “honesty and fairness.” But trust has crumbled. A recent study found most Americans don’t believe mainstream media. “They’ve become activists, not journalists,” said Trump adviser Kari Lake.
Wednesday’s hearing could decide the future of NPR and PBS. GOP leaders want answers about biased reporting and government money. Some stations might close if funding dries up. But conservatives say that’s a small price to pay. “Freedom means not forcing truck drivers to pay for coastal elites’ opera shows,” argued talk radio host Jesse Kelly.
The clock is ticking for taxpayer-funded media. With Trump’s backing and Republicans in charge, the push to “defund the left” is stronger than ever. Most Americans pay about $1.60 yearly for public broadcasting. Critics say that’s $1.60 too much. “Let them compete fairly,” said President Trump. “No more free rides.”
