Pallone on Trump’s Illegal Attacks on CPB, NPR, and PBS

Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) released the following statement today on President Trump’s executive order illegally rescinding funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which provides funding for both National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), and the President’s earlier attempt to illegally fire CPB board members:

“The President’s attacks on CPB, NPR, and PBS are yet another illegal attempt to consolidate power in the White House, erode the Constitution’s freedom of the press, and censor any viewpoints he deems inconsistent with his own.

“A healthy democracy should celebrate and support free and independent public media. Instead, it’s clear President Trump would prefer a state propaganda system like those in Russia and China.

“Federal funding through CPB supports local news and emergency information in communities across the country. Often, particularly in rural communities, these stations are the only providers left that cover local government and provide critical public safety information during disasters. Make no mistake, without federal funding, many of these stations will disappear.

“If the President had paid closer attention to Sesame Street, he’d know: Congress has the power of the purse. I expect this illegal power grab will be appropriately struck down in court.”

###