Trump Executive Order Cuts PBS and NPR Funding, Ending $23 Million Ready To Learn Grant, PBS CEO Warns of Program Halt

President Donald Trump signed an executive order last week directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to cut federal funding to the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR). PBS CEO Paula Kerger described the situation as unprecedented and warned that while existing children's programming will continue to air, new programs currently in development could come to a halt due to the funding cuts. The Department of Education has also terminated the "Ready To Learn" grant, which provided approximately $23 million for children's educational shows, including Sesame Street, affecting PBS and 44 public media stations. NPR and PBS leaders have announced plans to legally challenge the funding cuts, emphasizing the potential impact on local stations and educational content. The move has sparked debate over the role of federal funding in public broadcasting, with supporters citing media bias as a reason for defunding, while critics highlight the consequences for educational programming and local communities.