Elon Musk sparked a new debate over the funding of National Public Radio (NPR) after sharing a video featuring NPR CEO Katherine Maher. In the clip, Maher stated, “I think our reverence for the truth might have become a bit of a distraction that is preventing us from finding consensus and getting important things done.” Musk shared the video on X (formerly Twitter), questioning whether taxpayer dollars should support an organization led by individuals who view truth as a “distraction.”
Following Musk’s tweet, the hashtag “Defund NPR” quickly gained traction on X, with many users calling for an end to taxpayer funding of the organization. Critics of NPR voiced concerns over the network’s perceived political bias and its reliance on public funds. One user suggested, “It’s time to defund NPR. They’re completely partisan and they have enough viewers to support themselves.” Another commented, “NPR is just a leftist rage machine; they’ve turned against America.”
Maher, who became NPR’s CEO in March 2024, has a background in technology and non-profits, having previously led Web Summit and chaired the Signal Foundation’s board. NPR, founded in 1970 under the Public Broadcasting Act, provides content to over 1,000 public radio stations across the U.S. While NPR has a large audience, its funding model, which relies partly on taxpayer dollars, has drawn criticism from those who believe it should operate independently.
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