President Trump issued a sharp warning to congressional Republicans on Thursday, threatening to withhold his endorsement from any GOP lawmaker who votes against a proposed package of federal spending cuts specifically targeting public broadcasting.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump demanded party unity behind his rescissions proposal, which includes eliminating funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. “It is very important that all Republicans adhere to my Recissions Bill and, in particular, DEFUND THE CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING (PBS and NPR), which is worse than CNN & MSDNC put together,” he wrote, using a familiar insult for MSNBC.
“Any Republican that votes to allow this monstrosity to continue broadcasting will not have my support or Endorsement,” Trump added.
The rescissions package, totaling more than $9 billion, includes cuts to foreign aid programs, USAID, the U.S. Institute of Peace, and funding for PBS and NPR. Trump signed an executive order in February initiating the effort to dismantle several of these agencies. While the House passed the bill last month, it has since taken a backseat as the Senate prepares to consider it ahead of the July 18 deadline.
Many Republicans back the plan, arguing the cuts are overdue and in line with conservative calls to reduce government spending particularly on entities they view as ideologically biased, such as NPR and PBS.
However, the proposal has stirred internal divisions. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) has criticized the administration’s plan, particularly the impact on global health programs like the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has long enjoyed bipartisan support.
Other Republicans, including Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), have raised concerns about how slashing public broadcasting funds could hurt rural communities that rely on government-supported local stations for news, education, and emergency updates.
The debate over the rescissions package now places additional pressure on GOP lawmakers to navigate party loyalty, policy priorities, and political risk with Trump making it clear that crossing him on this issue could come at a price.
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