National Public Radio (NPR) and three Colorado-based public radio stations filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the Trump administration, challenging an executive order that cuts federal funding for public broadcasting.
The lawsuit alleges that President Donald Trump’s recent directive, which blocks the use of Congressionally approved funds for NPR and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), violates the First Amendment by targeting content the administration finds unfavorable.
“The intent could not be more clear — the executive order aims to punish NPR for the content of news and other programming the president dislikes,” NPR CEO Katherine Maher said in a statement. “This is retaliatory, viewpoint-based discrimination in violation of the First Amendment.”
Aspen Public Radio, Colorado Public Radio, and KSUT Public Radio joined NPR in the legal challenge, which was announced Tuesday.
Trump’s order, issued earlier this month, sparked backlash from free speech advocates who argue that withholding federal support for media based on editorial content sets a dangerous precedent for press freedom.
The lawsuit comes amid growing tensions between the former president and major news organizations, several of which have faced public criticism from Trump during and after his presidency.
The case is assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Randolph D. Moss, who is also hearing a case involving a related lawsuit filed by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) against Trump.
The White House has not responded to requests for comment.
