Trump's Budget Proposal Cuts Federal Funding for NASA, Renewable Energy, Public Services

Recent and proposed federal budget cuts under President Donald Trump have led to significant disruptions across multiple sectors, including renewable energy, public service, and scientific research. Graduates from Syracuse University and SUNY ESF have lost federal job opportunities or are reconsidering careers in public service due to program eliminations. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory laid off 114 employees as a result of budget cuts and directives, reflecting a broader Department of Energy downsizing and a shift away from clean energy research. Proposed 2026 budget plans would reduce NASA’s funding by nearly 25%, threatening jobs and major programs at facilities like Houston’s Johnson Space Center, and slash funding for agencies such as the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health. Science organizations warn that these cuts could hinder innovation and reduce the U.S.'s capacity for research and development. While the budget proposals must still pass Congress, experts and advocacy groups have voiced strong concerns about their potential long-term impact.