Congressional Republicans have renewed calls to eliminate federal funding for US public media, targeting the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which oversees funding for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). During a hearing on Wednesday, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, accused the outlets of “brainwashing the American people” and pushing a left-leaning agenda.
“We will be calling for the complete and total defunding and dismantling of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting,” Greene declared. She criticized NPR and PBS for allegedly promoting “LGBTQ indoctrination of children,” amplifying “the systemic racism narrative,” and spreading “anti-family, pro-crime fake news.”
Greene’s remarks echo broader Republican criticisms of mainstream media, with Trump frequently labeling legacy news organizations as the “enemy of the people.” The move aligns with efforts from the newly formed House Committee on Government Efficiency, which Greene sits on. This committee supports the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Trump’s billionaire advisor Elon Musk, which aims to cut federal spending.
Despite Republican opposition, the CPB’s budget has already been approved by Congress through 2027, ensuring over $500 million in funding. NPR and PBS remain popular sources of news and education, with NPR reaching approximately 40 million Americans weekly and PBS attracting around 36 million viewers monthly.
Democrats fiercely opposed the Republican initiative. Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas accused Greene of attempting “to shut down everybody that is not Fox News.” Defenders of public broadcasting argue that it provides critical non-partisan reporting and educational content, particularly for rural and underserved communities.
NPR’s CEO Katherine Maher countered Republican claims, stating that NPR received $120 million from the CPB in 2025, which accounts for less than five percent of its budget. Republican Representative Brian Jack questioned whether NPR could sustain itself without federal funds, a challenge NPR may soon face if Republican efforts to defund public media gain traction.
With public media funding now a political flashpoint, the battle over its future is set to continue in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election and beyond.
