I am writing to express my strong opposition to the FCC’s investigation into NPR and PBS. This is a blatant attempt to intimidate and silence independent journalism, and it should alarm every American who values the First Amendment and a free press.
Public broadcasting has been a cornerstone of American democracy for decades, providing high-quality, fact-based journalism and educational programming. NPR and PBS have exposed corruption, reported on government overreach, and delivered crucial information to the public—often in ways that commercial outlets do not or cannot. Their work benefits people across the political spectrum, from rural communities relying on PBS for children’s educational programming to urban listeners tuning into NPR for in-depth reporting.
It’s clear why Trump wants to undermine them. Any media that dares to question him, challenge his actions, or hold his administration accountable is met with attacks. Instead of answering criticism with facts or debate, he seeks to dismantle institutions that report the truth. The question must be asked: What kind of media does Trump want? One that only praises him? One that never investigates his policies? That path leads directly to state-controlled propaganda, not democracy.
This is not what the majority of Americans want. We do not want our government dictating what news organizations can and cannot report. We do not want leaders who seek to control the narrative by intimidating the press. This investigation is dangerous, it is unacceptable, and it must be stopped. I urge you to take immediate action to defend NPR and PBS, push back against this abuse of power, and reaffirm your commitment to protecting a free and independent press in this country.