National Public Radio (NPR) and three of its affiliated local stations filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against President Donald Trump, challenging an executive order that seeks to eliminate federal funding for public broadcasting. The legal action, brought by NPR along with Colorado Public Radio, Aspen Public Radio, and KUTE, Inc., claims the order violates the First Amendment.
Earlier this month, President Trump issued a directive instructing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and related federal agencies to halt funding for NPR and PBS. The order also calls for efforts to uncover and eliminate indirect federal support for these media outlets. Trump justified the move by accusing the broadcasters of biased reporting.
The lawsuit contends that the executive order is a clear attempt to punish NPR for content that displeases the president and to suppress free speech rights protected under the Constitution. It describes the action as a form of retaliation and viewpoint-based discrimination, infringing on both freedom of expression and editorial independence.
Leaders at both NPR and PBS had previously indicated they believed the executive order was unlawful. Although PBS has not yet joined the legal effort, it is expected to pursue its own court challenge soon.
This legal battle follows a pattern of escalating tensions between the Trump administration and the media. In addition to targeting NPR and PBS, the administration has attempted to dismantle other government-funded news organizations, such as Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, leading to additional court disputes. There are also ongoing federal investigations into major news networks, including ABC, CBS, and NBC.