In House DOGE's 'Anti-American Airwaves' hearing, Jordan asserts PBS covered up COVID lab leak story

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan on Wednesday alleged that National Public Radio (NPR) covered up the story about COVID-19 coming out of the Wuhan Institute of Virology, in China. 

"The lab leak is what most people think actually caused the COVID virus," the Ohio Republican said to NPR CEO Katherine Maher.

He referenced Uri Berliner, the former senior business editor of NPR who said before resigning in 2024, that NPR was behind stating that the lab leak theory was debunked by scientists.

"Yet, you retain that NPR is not biased?" Jordan asked Maher.

"Congressman, I do not believe we are politically biased," she answered. "We are a nonpartisan organization."

In her opening statement, DOGE subcommittee Chairwoman Marjorie Taylor Greene referred to PBS as "one of the founders of the trans child abuse industry."

She referenced a 2015 documentary put out by PBS about transgender students and their families called "Growing up Trans."

Leaders of NPR and VBS testified before the House Department of Government Efficiency subcommittee about putting out "anti-American" content.

Those who testified are Maher and PBS CEO Paula Kerger, in the hearing titled: “Anti-American Airwaves: Holding the heads of NPR and PBS Accountable.”

NPR, PBS and Voice of America faced calls for defunding or reform after President Donald Trump returned to office over their alleged liberal bias and have long been of Republicans. 

When asked Tuesday about defunding NPR and PBS, he said: “I would love to do that."