Judge found that President Trump’s order targeted NPR and PBS over claims of political bias, which violates free speech rights|Cornellrockey04|CC BY-SA 4.0

A federal judge has permanently blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order to cut federal funding for National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), citing First Amendment violations.

Judge Randolph Moss said the government cannot punish media outlets just because it disagrees with their reporting. He found the order targeted NPR and PBS over claims of political bias, which violates free speech rights.

The ruling may not change things immediately. Congress had already cut about $500 million in annual funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which has since shut down. Public media groups are now finding other ways to raise money.

The ruling follows a major disruption to public broadcasting. Funding cuts led to layoffs, including about one-third of PBS Kids staff, and reduced educational programming.

NPR and PBS welcomed the ruling, calling it a win for a free and independent press.