Donald Trump is calling on Senate Republicans to vote in favor of a sweeping rescission package that would eliminate federal funding for NPR and PBS. The proposed legislation, which narrowly passed the House last month, would cut $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a nonprofit created by Congress to distribute federal funds to public media organizations.
In a direct message posted on Truth Social, Trump made his stance clear: “Any Republican that votes to allow this monstrosity to continue broadcasting will not have my support or Endorsement.” The message comes as the Senate prepares to vote on the bill, which includes a total of $9.4 billion in spending reductions. The proposed cuts extend beyond media, targeting foreign programs like “Sesame Street” in Iraq, Net Zero initiatives in Mexico, and various global gender and LGBTQ+ programs.
Trump has long criticized mainstream media for what he sees as partisan coverage, and NPR and PBS have increasingly drawn his ire. In May, he issued an executive order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to cease financial support for both networks, arguing that they fail to uphold neutrality despite being publicly subsidized. “Which viewpoints NPR and PBS promote does not matter,” the order stated. “What does matter is that neither entity presents a fair, accurate, or unbiased portrayal of current events to taxpaying citizens.”
Public broadcasters and legal advocacy groups have challenged the executive order in court. They argue that the move violates First Amendment protections and undermines previous funding appropriated by Congress. However, if the Senate votes to approve the rescission bill, much of the legal dispute could become irrelevant, as the funding itself would no longer be available.
The proposal has sparked division within the GOP. Moderate Republicans such as Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski have publicly opposed the cuts. Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota has pushed for an exemption to preserve funding for Native American public radio stations, citing the importance of local access to information.
As the vote nears, Republican senators face a choice between party loyalty and constituent priorities. For some, the decision may hinge more on regional impact than Trump’s endorsement. For others, the former president’s influence remains a defining factor in their political calculus.
Defunding public broadcasting has been a conservative goal for years, but the stakes have shifted. With the rise of streaming platforms and alternative media, public outlets must increasingly justify their relevance and objectivity. Many Americans are asking why they should be required to financially support organizations they view as politically aligned or out of touch with their values.
The current battle over NPR and PBS funding is not only about budgets. It reflects broader questions about trust in media, the limits of government support, and whether public institutions can claim neutrality while advocating specific narratives. The coming vote will test where Republicans stand on those issues—and whether taxpayer-funded journalism can continue in a deeply divided political climate.
