Judge Blocks Trump’s Order to Defund NPR and PBS, Citing First Amendment

A federal judge has permanently blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order that sought to end federal funding for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), citing violations of the First Amendment. U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss ruled that the order was “unlawful and unenforceable,” describing it as viewpoint discrimination and retaliation against the networks for their speech ^[1][2].

The executive order, titled “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Biased Media,” was signed by President Trump in May 2025. It directed the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and other federal agencies to cease funding NPR and PBS ^[2][3]. Judge Moss stated that the order discriminated against NPR and PBS by specifically barring them from receiving federal grants or funding, based on disapproval of their content ^[2][3].

The ruling follows the consolidation of lawsuits filed by NPR and several public radio stations, as well as by PBS and Lakeland PBS, challenging the executive order ^[2]. Judge Moss noted that while some legal claims were moot due to the dissolution of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the order’s application to all federal agencies remained relevant ^[1][2].

The White House, through spokesperson Abigail Jackson, criticized the ruling, calling it “a ridiculous ruling by an activist judge attempting to undermine the law.” Jackson stated that NPR and PBS have no inherent right to taxpayer funds and noted that Congress had already voted to defund them ^[1].

Judge Moss’s decision emphasized that the executive order directed all federal agencies to “cut off any and all funding” to NPR and PBS, which he found to be a violation of the First Amendment ^[1][2].

What Is Known

The executive order was signed by President Trump in May 2025 and aimed to end federal funding for NPR and PBS. Judge Randolph Moss ruled the order unconstitutional, citing First Amendment violations. The ruling came after lawsuits were filed by NPR, PBS, and associated entities ^[1][2][3].

What Remains Unclear

It remains unclear how the White House will respond to the ruling beyond the initial statement, and whether there will be further legal actions or attempts to appeal the decision ^[1].