Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., told Newsmax she supports legislation passed in the House and Senate that cuts funding from public broadcasting companies NPR and PBS.
Both houses of congress approved President Donald Trump's request to claw back $9 billion in funding for public broadcasting and foreign aid early Friday. The package cancels about $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
"For years, I've had legislation that would cut some of the spending for public broadcast," Blackburn told "National Report." "Ronald Reagan tried to defund NPR. That's how long Republicans have worked on this. And we finally got it done under President Trump."
The cancellation of $1.1 billion for the CPB represents the full amount it is due to receive during the next two budget years.
Blackburn pointed out both NPR and PBS are nonprofits that bring in donations.
"They sell sponsorships," Blackburn said. "If the community wants them, the community will support them. We do not need to be using taxpayer dollars to fund these outlets."
This is the first time in decades that a president has successfully submitted a rescissions request to Congress. The White House argued the public media system is politically biased and an unnecessary expense.
Congress also voted to cut $8 billion for a variety of foreign aid programs, many designed to help countries where drought, disease, and political unrest endure.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!
Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.
You need to watch NEWSMAX today.
Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!
Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now
BEST OFFER:
Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.
Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.
Even get Jon Voight's special series and President Trump's comedy programs and much more!
Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.
Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!
Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com
Sam Barron ✉
Sam Barron has almost two decades of experience covering a wide range of topics including politics, crime and business.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.