(WASHINGTON)— PEN America released the following statement today in response to President Trump’s request to cut funding, which Congress already has approved, for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the nonprofit that receives congressional appropriations to support NPR and PBS. The $9.4 billion rescission request includes about $1.1 billion in federal funding cuts for public media, cuts that would disproportionately target local and rural communities across the country.
“This request isn’t about fiscal responsibility, but about punishing independent journalism. It’s a blatant attempt to sway or silence media outlets that don’t align with the president’s preferred narrative, a tactic he’s already used repeatedly,” said Tim Richardson, program director for journalism and disinformation at PEN America. “Simply put, it’s viewpoint discrimination aimed at undermining editorial independence protected by the First Amendment. This request would disproportionately harm rural states and local communities that rely on public media as a trusted source of information. Congress must reject this attack on truth and a free press, and stand up for the millions of Americans who depend on PBS and NPR for credible reporting and vital cultural programming. We call on all Americans to let their congressional representatives know that they value the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and to urge Congress to reject this rescission package.”
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, [email protected], (201) 247-5057