President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to cut taxpayer funds to PBS and NPR, two media outlets accused of spreading “radical awakening propaganda.”
The order directs the company to public broadcasting and other federal agencies to “stop federal funding for NPR and PBS.” It further requires them to work to provide news organizations with indirect sources of public financing.
“[President Trump] A execution order has just been signed to end taxpayer subsidies for NPR and PBS, which have received millions of dollars from taxpayers to spread radical, awakening propaganda disguised as “news.” ”
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Broadcasters have obtained about a billion dollars in public funds for public broadcasts through the company and are ready for the possibility of strict cuts since Trump's re-election.
PBS CEO and President Paula Kerger said last month that the Trump administration’s efforts to withdraw funds for public media will “undermine the essential services PBS and local member radio stations provide to the American people.”
Headquarters of National Public Radio (NPR). (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
“Nothing is more important than PB Americans, and our work is simply because of the bipartisan support we have been receiving from Congress,” she said. “This public-private partnership allows us to help millions of children succeed in school and in life and support the highest quality of rich and inspiring programs.”
The company's public broadcaster sued Trump earlier this week, who fired three members to the five-member committee, saying the president is beyond his authority, a move that would deprive the board of directors of the quorum needed to conduct business.
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President Donald Trump delivered an opening speech at the University of Alabama on Thursday in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Thursday’s move to PBS and NPR comes as his administration has been working to tear down global media outlets in the U.S., including Voice of America and Free Europe Broadcast/Broadcast Freedom, which aim to model global independent news sets in a society that restricts the press.
These efforts are facing a push from federal courts, and in some cases the Trump administration may have gone beyond its authority to block funding from Congress.
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Fox News Digital has reached out to PBS and NPR in response to Trump's executive order.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
