DONLD TRUMP STRIKES PUBLIC MEDIA: $1.1 BILLION IN CUTS TO NPR & PBS PASSES HOUSE

What Just Happened?

July 18, 2025: The Senate narrowly approved the rescissions bill in a 51–48 vote, which includes $1.1 billion in cuts to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), ending federal funding for NPR and PBS over the next two years.

Early Friday morning, the House passed the amended bill, 216–213, sending it to President Trump’s desk for signature.

The Broader Context

The bill is part of a larger $9 billion rescissions package that also cuts $8 billion in foreign aid. A carve-out preserved $400 million in HIV/AIDs funding (PEPFAR) after Senate pushback.

Critics note this marks the first major use of a presidential rescission in over 25 years after Trump’s executive order in May directing CPB funding to cease.

Why Public Media Matters

Although NPR and PBS receive only around 1% of their budget from federal sources, CPB funds are critical for smaller, rural stations that depend heavily on public support—some get up to 50% of their funding from CPB.

Public broadcasters warn that stations in remote regions—like Alaska, Maine, and tribal areas—risk severe cuts or closures, jeopardizing vital services such as emergency alerts, local journalism, and cultural programming.

Political Fallout

Backers of the cuts assert that public broadcasting carries a liberal bias and that rescinding funding is a step toward fiscal responsibility.

Opponents—including moderate GOP senators—warn this sets a dangerous precedent, undermining Congress’s power of the purse and risking service loss in vulnerable communities.

What Happens Next?

White House Signature: President Trump’s approval will finalize the cuts.

On-the-ground impact: Stations will begin evaluating staff layoffs, scaling back content, and reducing local news and music programming.

Future pushback: NPR, PBS, and others are expected to challenge the rescission via legal and lobbying efforts. Advocates will push for funding restoration in the upcoming budget cycle.

 Why It Matters Now

A test of executive power: The use of rescission signals a shift toward centralized control over federal spending.

Public services at risk: Rural and minority communities may lose access to critical news and emergency alerts.

Cultural implications: Funding cuts threaten the production of educational content like “Sesame Street” and independent music showcases.