Trump Administration Proposes Deep Cuts to US Science Agencies While Protecting AI and Quantum Research
Key Takeaways
- ▸NSF and EPA face cuts exceeding 50% while NIH budget would drop 13% under the proposed 2027 budget
- ▸Administration plans to increase applied AI and quantum research funding at defense and energy departments to maintain US technological edge
- ▸Basic quantum and AI research at NSF would still be cut by 37% and 32% respectively despite stated strategic priorities
Summary
The Trump administration has proposed significant budget cuts to major US science agencies for the second consecutive year, with the 2027 federal spending plan targeting the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for cuts exceeding 50%. The proposal also includes a ban on federal funding for academic journal subscriptions and publishing fees. However, the administration plans to maintain and increase funding for applied artificial intelligence and quantum information research at defense and energy departments, framing these areas as critical to US competitiveness. Despite this strategic focus on AI and quantum computing, basic research in these fields at the NSF would still face significant reductions of 32% and 37% respectively.
- Federal funding ban proposed for academic journal subscriptions and publishing fees
