CPB Reverses Course, Revives $36 Million NPR Deal After Trump-Era Litigation

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has agreed to revive a $36 million deal with NPR, which was initially terminated after pressure from the Trump White House. The decision comes after a lengthy litigation process, with NPR accusing the corporation of illegally yielding to Trump's demands that the network be financially punished for its news coverage. According to sources, the agreement resolves a lawsuit filed by NPR and several stations against the Trump administration, focusing on CPB funding for NPR's operation of a satellite distribution system for local public radio stations. The deal was initially set to run for multiple years, but was abruptly canceled in 2025. NPR announced Monday that it would waive a portion of the lawsuit, allowing the parties to move forward with the agreement. The arrangement is expected to have an immediate impact on NPR's operations, with the network set to receive the previously withheld funding. In response, NPR President and CEO Katherine Maher expressed relief, stating that the agreement would allow the network to continue providing essential services to local public radio stations. CPB President and CEO Patricia Harrison also released a statement, acknowledging the importance of the partnership and the need for continued collaboration. Background context suggests that the dispute began during the Trump administration, when the White House exerted pressure on the CPB to withhold funding from NPR due to its news coverage. The move was seen as an attempt to muzzle the network and limit its ability to report on government activities. As a result of the agreement, NPR will now receive the $36 million in funding, which is expected to be disbursed over the next several years. The deal marks a significant victory for NPR and its supporters, who had argued that the CPB's decision to withhold funding was a clear overreach of executive power. The agreement also underscores the importance of the CPB-NPR partnership in providing essential services to local public radio stations and promoting a free and independent press.