John Kennedy, U.S. Senator representing Louisiana, published a series of posts on July 16, 2025, criticizing NPR and its CEO Katherine Maher for alleged bias in the network’s reporting.
In his initial post, Kennedy referenced comments made by Maher during a CNN appearance: “NPR’s CEO Katherine Maher on CNN this morning: ‘As far as the accusations that we’re biased, I’d stand up and say, ‘Please show me a story that concerns you.’’ I’ve got a few: (1/5)” (July 16, 2025).
Kennedy continued his critique in subsequent posts. In one tweet he wrote: (4/5) NPR reported that there is no evidence that biological men have an unfair advantage over biological women in sports. NPR also called America’s interstate highways racist. I did not know our highways were racist. I thought they were concrete, but not according to NPR.” (July 16, 2025).
He concluded his thread with another criticism of NPR’s editorial stance: (5/5) NPR referred to rural Americans as “Christian nationalists” and heaped praise on Biden administration official Rachel Levine. I could go all day. American taxpayers shouldn’t have to fund this opinion journalism.” (July 16, 2025).
NPR has faced scrutiny from some lawmakers who argue the network’s reporting reflects political or cultural biases rather than objective journalism. As a publicly funded media organization through grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and listener donations, debates over its funding periodically arise in Congress.
Katherine Maher was appointed as CEO of NPR in early 2024 following her previous work in technology policy and nonprofit leadership.
