Judge rules Trump cutting off funding for NPR and PBS is unconstitutional

U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss blocked the Trump administration from enforcing an executive order that would have cut off federal funding to NPR and PBS. The order had directed federal agencies to defund the public broadcasters as part of a broader effort to redirect spending, but the judge determined the directive violated constitutional provisions governing how Congress appropriates money. The ruling prevents immediate implementation of the funding cuts while legal challenges proceed. The decision underscores ongoing litigation over Trump administration executive orders, with federal courts reviewing whether the directives exceed presidential authority or conflict with congressional spending legislation. Both broadcasters and their supporters had challenged the order, arguing Congress—not the president—holds the constitutional power to control federal appropriations.