The Trump administration's proposed budget for 2027 once again targets significant cuts to science-focused agencies, with the National Science Foundation and Environmental Protection Agency set to see their budgets slashed in half. Even seemingly popular institutions like the National Institutes of Health face major funding reductions.
Several key programs are on the chopping block. The NSF's social science research budget would be completely eliminated, while the NIH would lose two important divisions. Climate change efforts across multiple agencies also face severe cuts, with the NIST’s Circular Economy Program singled out for criticism over its perceived promotion of environmental alarmism.
The budget blueprint reflects a continued political fight that Congress has largely ignored in recent years. Despite congressional resistance, the administration can still significantly impact the scientific enterprise through these proposed cuts. This ongoing battle highlights the precarious state of funding for vital research and innovation.
