In early May 2025, President Donald Trump proposed the elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of his administration's budget plan. This proposal includes rescinding previously approved grants and encouraging staff resignations within these agencies. The NEA and NEH, established in 1965, have historically provided crucial funding to artists, museums, theaters, and educational institutions across the United States. The administration's rationale for these cuts is to redirect funds toward projects like the "National Garden of American Heroes" and to reduce the federal deficit. This move has sparked significant concern within the arts community, as many organizations face potential budget shortfalls and operational challenges due to the sudden withdrawal of federal support.

Background on the NEA and NEH

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) were both established in 1965 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society initiatives. The NEA is the largest funder of the arts in the U.S., supporting nonprofit organizations, public agencies, universities, and individual artists through grants for projects in arts education, creative writing, and community engagement. In fiscal year 2022, the NEA awarded over 2,300 grants totaling approximately $117 million across all 50 states. These grants require matching non-federal funds and are reviewed by expert panels before final approval by the NEA chairman.

The NEH provides grants for high-quality humanities projects to cultural institutions such as museums, archives, libraries, colleges, universities, public television, and radio stations, and to individual scholars. Its mission is to promote excellence in the humanities and convey the lessons of history to all Americans. As of April 1, 2025, the NEH was reportedly asked by the Department of Government Efficiency to reduce their staffing by up to 80%. At least 1,200 grants were canceled the following week, including funding to state and jurisdictional humanities councils, and a large percentage of staff were put on administrative leave.

Details of the Proposed Cuts

President Trump's 2026 budget proposal includes sweeping cuts to federal funding, targeting renewable energy, electric vehicle infrastructure, climate change initiatives, and agricultural support, aiming to slash $163 billion in federal spending. Key measures include canceling over $15 billion in renewable energy and carbon capture funding, and $6 billion for EV chargers from the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law. The plan shifts the Energy Department's focus toward fossil fuels and nuclear technology. It proposes cutting $4.5 billion from the Department of Agriculture, impacting conservation, rural development, and research programs. It also eliminates major international food aid programs. The Environmental Protection Agency faces a nearly 55% budget reduction, cutting $235 million from its Office of Research and Development and eliminating environmental justice initiatives. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration would lose $1.3 billion in climate research grants and $209 million in satellite funding. Critics warn the proposed budget would harm environmental protections, agricultural support, and U.S. leadership in scientific research and development.

Impact on the Arts Community

The proposed elimination of the NEA and NEH has caused significant concern within the arts community. Many organizations face potential budget shortfalls and operational challenges due to the sudden withdrawal of federal support. For example, at least 14 Austin-based arts organizations are facing the loss of previously approved grants from the NEA, effective May 31, due to sweeping federal budget cuts by the Trump administration. These cuts are part of a broader initiative that includes reducing diversity programs and reevaluating how U.S. history is taught. Among the affected groups are the Zach Theatre, Grammy-winning vocal group Conspirare, the Austin Film Festival, American Short Fiction magazine, Latinitas, and African drum and dance troupe Lannaya. The administration announced in February that it would prioritize funding for arts organizations that commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Leaders in the Austin arts community have expressed concern over the detrimental impact on the city's cultural landscape. Affected organizations were given only seven days to appeal the decision, with appeals due by the upcoming Friday.

Similarly, local arts organizations in metro Atlanta are facing financial turmoil following President Trump's 2025 proposal to eliminate the NEA and rescind previously awarded grants. This move compounds existing financial pressure from earlier budget cuts by the Fulton County Commission and the Georgia Council for the Arts, as well as the end of COVID-related aid. Georgia already ranks among the lowest states for public arts funding. The arts are vital to the local economy, with roughly 1,700 nonprofits generating $632.7 million in revenues, according to a 2023 Atlanta Regional Commission report. A survey by Arts Capital Atlanta revealed that about 40% of arts organizations have no financial reserves. Facilitator Laura Henninghausen warned of anticipated project cancellations, staff layoffs, and possible closures. While the president's budget is a statement of priorities rather than a final decision, local arts advocates are providing resources to help organizations manage the funding crisis.

Rationale for the Cuts

The administration's rationale for these cuts is to redirect funds toward projects like the "National Garden of American Heroes" and to reduce the federal deficit. On January 29, 2025, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order to plan the celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence on July 4, 2026, and to revive efforts to harshly punish those who vandalize statues and monuments. The order establishes a White House task force chaired by Trump to organize the grand celebration, which includes plans for a new "National Garden of American Heroes" featuring statues of 250 historical figures. The garden was initially proposed in 2020 but was not funded or developed. Additionally, the order reinstates a previous mandate, revoked by President Joe Biden, to fully prosecute individuals who vandalize or destroy monuments. This move follows conservative backlash over the removal of Confederate statues and was emphasized by recent incidents of protest-related vandalism. Trump also envisions a "Great American State Fair" and "Patriot Games" as part of the yearlong festivities, aiming to promote American history and unity.

Historical Context

This is not the first time the NEA and NEH have faced threats of elimination. Upon entering office in 1981, the incoming Ronald Reagan administration intended to push Congress to abolish the NEA completely over a three-year period. Reagan's first director of the Office of Management and Budget, David A. Stockman, thought the NEA and the NEH were "good [departments] to simply bring to a halt because they went too far, and they would be easy to defeat." Another proposal would have halved the arts endowment budget. However, these plans were abandoned when the President's special task force on the arts and humanities, which included close Reagan allies such as conservatives Charlton Heston and Joseph Coors, discovered "the needs involved and benefits of past assistance," concluding that continued federal support was important. Frank Hodsoll became the chairman of the NEA in 1981, and while the department's budget decreased from $158.8 million in 1981 to $143.5 million, by 1989 it was $169.1 million, the highest it had ever been.

Potential Themes for Further Exploration

1. Economic Impact of NEA and NEH Elimination: An in-depth analysis of how the proposed cuts could affect local economies, particularly in regions heavily reliant on arts funding.

2. Historical Precedents and Outcomes: A comparative study of previous attempts to defund the NEA and NEH, examining the political motivations and the eventual outcomes.

3. Cultural Significance vs. Fiscal Responsibility: An exploration of the balance between maintaining cultural institutions and addressing federal budget concerns.

4. Grassroots Responses and Advocacy: A look into how local arts organizations and communities are mobilizing to counteract the proposed funding cuts.

5. The Role of Federal Funding in Arts Education: An examination of how the elimination of the NEA and NEH could impact arts education programs across the country.

By delving into these themes, a comprehensive understanding of the implications of the proposed elimination of the NEA and NEH can be achieved, providing valuable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public.