Trump Administration Proposes 24% NASA Budget Cut, 550+ Jobs Cut at Glenn, Goddard Centers

President Trump's proposed fiscal 2026 budget for NASA includes dramatic cuts, reducing overall funding from $24.9 billion in 2025 to $18.8 billion, marking NASA's smallest budget since 1961 after inflation adjustments. The plan calls for cutting one-third of NASA's workforce agency-wide, with Cleveland's NASA Glenn Research Center facing a 38% reduction, losing approximately 554 jobs and dropping staff from about 1,400 to 837. These cuts would also halve Glenn's aeronautics program, which plays a critical role in innovations such as commercial supersonic flight and drone airspace management. Several flagship programs, including the Artemis lunar exploration program and the Lunar Gateway space station, would be terminated after the next two missions, despite continued investment in lunar and Mars exploration. The budget also reflects the dismissal of Jared Isaacman, the Trump administration's nominee to lead NASA, with no replacement announced. Regional leaders and stakeholders express concern over the impact of these cuts on innovation and technology leadership.