Concerns Raised Over Alabama Public Television’s Lobbying for Trump’s Withdrawal Package

Alabama’s Public Television (APT), funded by both state and federal taxes, is under scrutiny for sending emails that appear to lobby for President Donald Trump’s withdrawal package.

This proposal employs a fast-tracked budget process requiring approximately $9.4 billion in previously sanctioned spending. This includes around $1.1 billion for public broadcasting and about $8.3 billion for foreign aid, needing only a simple majority to pass. It has successfully cleared both the US House of Representatives and the Senate recently.

APT has stated that if these budget cuts go through, they could face a loss of about $3 million annually.

The email features a comment from Wayne Reed, the executive director of Alabama’s public television. He expressed grave concerns about the potential implications of the cuts.

“Should the Senate approve these extensive reductions, the consequences for Alabama’s public television services would be both immediate and severe,” Reed noted. “We would have to make tough choices, possibly losing some beloved programs and essential outreach initiatives like PBS Kids content, educational programs in communities and classrooms, and other significant outreach efforts. It costs roughly $1.60 per person yearly to maintain these vital services for the public. Eliminating this funding might have a minimal effect on federal deficits, yet it could devastate local public broadcasters across the nation.”

Adam Thompson, who heads Prosperity in Alabama, has criticized APT for using taxpayer funds to oppose rescue packages.

On social media, Thompson questioned APT’s use of state resources for lobbying, referring to the $18.9 million received from the Alabama Education Trust Fund in 2025 for this purpose.

“APT is a government entity leveraging taxpayer money to lobby another governmental body for increased funding,” Thompson remarked. “Does that really sound reasonable? Regardless of one’s stance on public television, it seems absurd for a public agency to engage in lobbying using taxpayer dollars.”

Trump’s withdrawal package, which includes cuts from the Department of Efficiency (DOGE), garnered support from all the Republican members of the House of Representatives in Alabama.