NPR cites the First Amendment, arguing that the executive order constitutes retaliation violating freedom of the press and freedom of speech by targeting NPR and PBS for their reporting, which the Trump administration deems biased, thereby undermining congressional authority over funding and chilling press freedom.

Alongside NPR, the lawsuit includes three Colorado-based member stations: Colorado Public Radio, Aspen Public Radio, and KSUT Public Radio of Ignacio.

Trump's executive order directed federal agencies to cut both direct and indirect funding to NPR and PBS, aiming to end financial support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which Congress funds with over $500 million annually, based on allegations that these outlets produce biased and partisan journalism.

NPR argues that the funding cuts threaten vital news services relied on by millions, undermine the independence of public media, and represent an unconstitutional attempt to retaliate against media outlets for their editorial content, potentially causing severe operational reductions.

The Colorado stations assert that this lawsuit is about defending principles of press freedom, emphasizing that government attempts to limit or control information flow pose a threat to independent journalism, rather than about partisan politics.

Colorado Public Radio