Trump Presses Congress to Cut $9.4B in Spending, Targeting NPR and PBS Defunding

This report has been updated.

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has submitted its initial proposal to Congress for significant spending cuts, requesting the elimination of $9.4 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and various foreign aid programs.

This request allows the White House budget office to freeze spending on these accounts for 45 days while Congress debates the proposal, which could either be approved or ignored entirely.

Specifically, the administration aims to cut $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, jeopardizing funding for National Public Radio (NPR) and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). If enacted, this would threaten their previously approved federal allocations.

In May, President Donald Trump issued an executive order attempting to block the Corporation from funding NPR and PBS, provoking legal challenges citing First Amendment concerns.

The proposed cuts also target $8.3 billion from foreign aid programs, including the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and initiatives like the African Development Foundation.

Russ Vought, White House budget director, emphasized the need to eliminate what he termed “wasteful” foreign assistance, calling for cuts to programs he argues are against American interests. He criticized funding for the World Health Organization and various social equity programs.

GOP leaders in Congress are likely to vote on this request, which requires only a simple majority to pass the Senate. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) stated the House would act quickly on the cuts, emphasizing their commitment to fiscal responsibility.

However, centrist Republicans, particularly those on Appropriations committees who initially approved the funding, may pose challenges to the proposal. The GOP currently holds slim majorities in both chambers, necessitating near-unanimous support from its members.

Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Susan Collins (R-Maine) indicated that the committee would thoroughly examine the proposal, considering its implications for global health and national security.

The request outlines cuts to numerous foreign aid programs, suggesting the elimination of $500 million from global health initiatives at the U.S. Agency for International Development, impacting various health services.

Critics argue that these cuts would disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, by reducing access to critical health resources. The proposal expressly targets LGBTQI+ programs and other initiatives, identifying them as contrary to American values.

Statements from leaders at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and PBS express concern regarding the potential impact of these cuts on local programming and emergency services. They argue that maintaining funding is essential for providing communities with reliable news and educational resources.

NPR’s leadership warned that rescinding funding would compromise public safety, as their network distributes critical national emergency alerts.

A broader analysis reveals that proposed cuts would affect initiatives aimed at reducing xenophobia, supporting democratic reforms overseas, and various educational programs, including long-standing children’s programming like “Sesame Street.”

The legislative process is still unfolding. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) indicated that lawmakers would soon begin reviewing the proposal, emphasizing the need to address perceived wasteful spending.

In response, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Appropriations Committee ranking member Patty Murray (D-Wash.) criticized the proposal as a politically motivated attack on public media and essential foreign assistance programs.

Both sides of the aisle will likely navigate complex discussions regarding the rescissions request, as centrist views could complicate unanimous Republican support. Existing tensions within the GOP may also shape the outcome as the debate progresses.

Last updated 2:54 p.m., Jun. 3, 2025