GOP Proposes Bill to Cut Funding for NPR and PBS After Controversial Hearing

Following a tense hearing held by the House DOGE Subcommittee, Representative Ronny Jackson of Texas has announced the introduction of a bill aimed at eliminating all government funding for what he describes as “chronically biased” media outlets, NPR and PBS. Jackson asserts that these organizations have been disseminating Democratic talking points while misleadingly presenting themselves as public media.

The proposed legislation, titled the “No Partisan Radio and Partisan Broadcasting Services Act” or simply, the “NPR and PBS Act,” seeks to revoke both direct and indirect government funding to these outlets. Such a measure would compel NPR and PBS to operate without the financial support of taxpayer dollars, nudging them to compete in a free market environment.

This initiative unfolds in the context of recent cuts to government expenditures spearheaded by business magnate Elon Musk through the Department of Government Efficiency. Critics maintaining that NPR and PBS have increasingly accommodated partisan agendas have intensified their scrutiny of these institutions.

The motivation behind Jackson’s proposal stems significantly from a gripping session at the House DOGE Subcommittee, during which NPR’s CEO Katherine Maher and PBS President Paula Kerger were questioned regarding the justifications for their ongoing reliance on public funding. Their responses were met with skepticism and criticism from committee members.

Notable Moments from the Hearing

During the hearing, Maher candidly acknowledged that NPR mishandled its coverage of the Hunter Biden laptop story, stating, “We made a mistake.” Initially, NPR officials had dismissed the story as unserious, yet Maher expressed deep regret for failing to address the issue promptly and assertively.

She went on to reflect on previous comments made about former President Donald Trump, labeling him as a “fascist and a deranged racist sociopath.” Such remarks have drawn backlash, further complicating NPR’s stance in the political landscape.

PBS also faced criticism for broadcasts perceived to be overly progressive. For example, Kerger’s defense of the program “Real Boy,” which follows a transgender character’s exploration of identity, was met with hostility from some legislators.

Responses from Committee Members

Marjorie Taylor Greene, chair of the DOGE Subcommittee, sharply criticized PBS as “one of the founders of the trans child abuse industry.” Following the testimonies, Greene condemned both media outlets as being out of touch with everyday Americans.

Greene asserted, “From what we have heard here today, the American people will not continue to allow such propaganda to be funded through the federal government with their hard-earned tax dollars.” This statement underlines an increasing divide in public sentiment regarding the role of publicly funded media.

The Broader Implications of the Bill

Jackson commented that while NPR and PBS were originally designed to deliver unbiased, informative content, they have transformed into platforms for propaganda aligned with the radical left. He stressed that this shift has degraded their credibility as neutral public broadcasters.

As accountability becomes a focal point in media discussions, Jackson highlighted that taxpayers are frustrated with financing what he describes as a “messaging arm for woke, radical Democrats.” He said, “Hardworking Americans are sick of footing the bill. It’s time to cut them off and stop forcing taxpayers to pay for their liberal lies!”

Political Reactions and Future Prospects

Former President Trump has also indicated support for defunding NPR, acknowledging a willingness to sign legislation that would remove federal funding from such outlets. Trump has criticized the financial practices of NPR, suggesting that the funds disbursed are excessively high relative to similar organizations.

In Trump’s view, the media network has a track record of biased reporting, leading him to state, “They spend more money than any other network of its type ever conceived, so the kind of money that’s being wasted, and it’s a very biased view, you know that better than anybody. And I’d be honored to see it end.”

Musk, who has publicly called for the defunding of NPR, also commented on Maher’s statements made during her tenure. Back in February, he shared a video clip where Maher mentioned that NPR’s “reverence for the truth might have become a bit of a distraction that is preventing us from finding consensus and getting things done.”

His commentary suggested a belief that NPR should rely on private funding rather than government support.

The Future of Public Broadcasting Under Legislative Scrutiny

The ongoing debate surrounding NPR and PBS underscores a larger conversation about the role of public broadcasting in a polarized political environment. The proposed legislation has the potential to reshape how these organizations operate and how they are perceived by various segments of the public.

The implications of Jackson’s bill could resonate beyond just funding; they may also influence the broader narrative around media bias and the responsibilities of publicly funded organizations. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how Congress will respond to this significant proposal.

Fox News Digital’s Brian Flood and Joseph A. Wulfsohn contributed to this report.