Senator Chris Larson and Representative Ryan Clancy Reject President Trump’s Unconstitutional Executive Order Defunding Public Broadcasting

MADISON, Wis. – Late yesterday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order designed to cut off federal funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a source of funding for National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service, labeling the broadcasters “biased media.” PBS and NPR were recently attacked as “anti-American” in a March 26 congressional Delivering on Government Efficiency (“DOGE”) subcommittee hearing.

Senator Chris Larson (D-7) and Representative Ryan Clancy (D-19) both serve on the Educational Communications Board, which “ensures Wisconsin residents can equitably access telecommunications services and advanced technologies in support of education and public safety goals.”

Sen. Chris Larson (D-7) issued the following statement:

“This is yet another reckless, spiteful Trump Administration attack on the services and programs regular Americans depend on to live thoughtful, fulfilled lives. This is also part of a series of unconstitutional executive actions cutting or freezing funding that Congress has already appropriated. Trump does not have the power to direct funding as an executive. This neutered Republican Congress must wake up and reclaim their authority.

“President Trump clearly won’t stop until he’s destroyed every institution capable of criticizing him and his Administration. This executive order is indefensible and unconstitutional – but like so many other actions this lawless President has taken, it is one that is certain to fail.”

Rep. Ryan Clancy (D-19) issued the following statement:

“An attack on public media is an attack on the public. With this executive order, President Trump has underlined that he is an elitist and an oligarch, attacking institutions Wisconsinites have come to depend on for thoughtful, intelligent analyses of his own Administration’s actions – and which support community safety in times of emergency. It’s yet another attempt to intimidate and silence coverage and critique of his policy and actions.

“Let’s be clear, defunding public broadcasting is not a popular idea: a recent poll from Pew Research shows that despite years of right wing attacks, Americans still oppose cutting funding for public broadcasting. But if Trump and people like him had his way, we would never have had the countless and invaluable educational shows and services that anyone with a television or radio can access. We can’t and won’t let that happen.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.