Will proposed budget cuts result in the loss of American leadership in science? Astronomers respond.
- The American Astronomical Society (AAS), established in 1899, is the major U.S. (and international) organization of professional astronomers, astronomy educators and amateur astronomers. It has more than 8,000 members.
- U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget would cut 56% to the National Science Foundation, 47% to NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, and 14% to the Department of Energy’s Office of Science. In astronomy, these cuts would mean that studies of our solar system, galaxy and the universe around us will decline.
- Importantly, these proposed cuts also will result in the loss of American leadership in science, says a statement from the American Astronomical Society. They’ll send a generation of trained, American scientific talent into other professions or to other countries.
Astronomers respond to 2026 president’s budget request
The AAS released this statement on May 2, 2025.
On May 2, 2025, the White House released the blueprint of the President’s Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2026. The $1.7 trillion plan proposes slashing $163 billion in federal spending for the next fiscal year, which includes significant cuts to NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Energy’s Office of Science.
The American Astronomical Society’s Board of Trustees has released the following statement in response:
The American Astronomical Society has grave concerns about the deep cuts to science funding proposed in the President’s Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2026. If enacted, the 56% cut to the National Science Foundation, the 47% cut to NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, and the 14% cut to the Department of Energy’s Office of Science would result in an historic decline of American investment in basic scientific research. These cuts would damage a broad range of research areas that will not be supported by the private sector. The negative consequences would be exacerbated because many research efforts can require years to decades to mature and reach fruition. Without robust and sustained federal funding, the United States will lose at least a generation of talent to other countries that are increasing their investments in facilities and workforce development. This will derail not only cutting-edge scientific advances, but also the training of the nation’s future STEM workforce. These proposed cuts will result in the loss of American leadership in science.
For over 60 years, the astronomical sciences community has maximized the scientific return on precious U.S. taxpayer dollars through regular and rigorous strategic planning and vision development for the field. The goal of these efforts is to prioritize the development of highly qualified scientists, the most powerful ground-based facilities, space-based missions, and smaller yet critical technology investments. The Society looks forward to working with Congress and the Administration to ensure that the American discovery and innovation engine remains strong for the next 60 years and beyond.
Bottom line: Read the AAS response to the 2026 president’s budget request here. The budget proposes 56% cuts to the National Science Foundation, 47% cuts to NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, and 14% cuts to the Department of Energy’s Office of Science.
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