The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against President Trump, challenging his attempt to replace three of its five board directors. CPB attorneys sought a temporary restraining order from a Washington, D.C., judge to block Trump’s directive.
The action follows Trump’s Monday announcement to remove 60% of the current board, targeting two directors appointed by President Joe Biden and one appointed by Trump during his first term. All three directors are plaintiffs in the case, arguing that federal law bars the President from removing CPB board members.
The Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 allows the President to appoint CPB board members but does not explicitly grant removal authority. The CPB, identifying as a private corporation with government ties, argues its board members are not U.S. officers subject to presidential removal under the Constitution. White House claims of executive removal power, as stated by Taylor Rogers, are contested and likely headed for legal challenges, with the administration anticipating victory.
Trump’s broader agenda includes defunding public broadcasting, as signaled in his April 1, 2025, Truth Social post and reported White House intentions to NPR. The CPB distributes over $500 million annually, supporting NPR (10% of station funding) and PBS (15% of revenue). Defunding would require Congressional approval, where Republicans hold majorities as of April 29, 2025.
Trump’s influence extends to cultural institutions, as seen in his February 2025 appointment as Kennedy Center board chairman, where he added allies like Laura Ingraham, Maria Bartiromo, Dan Scavino, Usha Vance, and Pam Bondi. This has led to artist cancellations at the Kennedy Center.
The situation hinges on legal interpretations of presidential authority and political support for defunding, with significant implications for public broadcasting’s funding and independence.
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