DOGE Staff Attempts Interference with Public Broadcasting Amid Legal Battles

PHOENIX, Arizona — Days after President Trump’s reported dismissal of three board members from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), staffers from DOGE attempted to assign a team to evaluate the organization’s operations. This move has sparked a legal challenge as CPB defends its independence.

The situation escalated following Trump’s executive order on May 1, which sought to halt federal funding to the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR). CPB leaders rejected the DOGE request, citing federal law which ensures the organization operates independently of government control.

Nate Cavanaugh, a DOGE staff member, emailed two board members not dismissed by Trump on April 29, asking to arrange a meeting to discuss DOGE’s involvement with the CPB. In response, CPB’s Executive Vice President Evan Slavitt stated that any involvement from DOGE or other executive branches contradicts the law establishing CPB’s independence.

Slavitt emphasized that CPB cannot be overseen or directed by any U.S. government department or agency, including DOGE. His statements came after CPB filed a lawsuit against Trump’s attempts to remove the board members and question the legality of his orders that threaten funding.

According to the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967, oversight or control over public telecommunications is prohibited. The CPB confirmed that it would not meet its quorum requirement for any upcoming business, including critical approval of legislative plans and grants, following the proposed board changes.

Trump’s administration claims the Constitution grants the president authority over personnel exercising executive power, but CPB argues its independent status protects it from such actions. The conflict highlights significant tensions surrounding federal funding for public broadcasting, as Congress allocated $535 million to CPB for the current fiscal year, a figure expected to remain intact despite the president’s funding rescission proposals.

The next hearing regarding the legal dispute is set for May 14, where CPB will further argue against the dismissal of its board members.