Public Broadcasting Corporation closes due to federal funding cut

On July 4, 2025, Trump signed a bill rescinding $1.1 billion in federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) through September 2027, part of a broader package with tax cuts and increased defense spending. CPB announced its shutdown on August 1, citing unsustainable operations without federal support.

CPB will lay off most staff by September 30, 2025, with a small team managing the closure through January 2026. “We now face the difficult reality of closing our operations,” said CPB CEO Patricia Harrison, emphasizing transparency in winding down.

The cuts threaten rural and small PBS and NPR stations, which rely on CPB for programming and emergency alerts. PBS CEO Paula Kerger warned that smaller stations face severe financial strain, risking closures. CPB funds also support ITVS documentary filmmakers.

Trump hailed the defunding on Truth Social, labeling NPR and PBS “propaganda.” The loss of CPB’s funding, the largest single source for public media research and development, jeopardizes local stations’ ability to serve communities.