Trump Budget Proposes Deep Cuts to NASA Funding

The Trump administration's proposed 2026 budget would cut NASA funding by nearly 25%, dropping it from $24.8 billion to $18.8 billion—the lowest inflation-adjusted level since 1961 and the largest single-year reduction in the agency's history. The plan would eliminate 41 science missions, including the Mars Sample Return, New Horizons, Juno, and collaborations with the European Space Agency, while slashing science funding by 47%. About one-third of NASA's civil service workforce faces job losses, and next-generation technology projects such as nuclear propulsion would be scrapped. The cuts would also significantly reduce or terminate Earth observation programs and planned missions to Mars and asteroids, with resources redirected to commercially funded Moon and Mars ventures, notably benefiting private companies like SpaceX. The administration's withdrawal of NASA's intended new leader has added to the agency's uncertainty. However, these proposals still require Congressional approval before becoming final.