Trump Administration Proposes Elimination of NEA and NEH in 2026 Federal Budget

In early May 2025, the Trump administration proposed eliminating the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the 2026 federal budget. This proposal led to the immediate termination of numerous grants previously awarded to arts organizations across the United States, leaving many institutions facing significant financial challenges and uncertainty about their future operations.

The NEA and NEH, established in 1965 during President Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society initiative, have been pivotal in supporting arts and humanities projects nationwide. These agencies have provided grants to artists, museums, theaters, educational institutions, and cultural organizations, fostering cultural enrichment and education across the United States.

On May 3, 2025, numerous arts organizations received emails from the NEA notifying them of the termination of their grants. The communication stated:

"The NEA is updating its grantmaking policy priorities to focus funding on projects that reflect the nation's rich artistic heritage and creativity as prioritized by the President. Consequently, we are terminating awards that fall outside these new priorities."

The administration's new priorities include projects that:

• Elevate the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
• Celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence.
• Foster AI competency.
• Empower houses of worship to serve communities.
• Assist with disaster recovery.
• Foster skilled trade jobs.
• Make America healthy again.
• Support the military and veterans.
• Support Tribal communities.
• Make the District of Columbia safe and beautiful.
• Support the economic development of Asian American communities.

The sudden withdrawal of federal funding has had a profound impact on arts organizations nationwide. For instance, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre lost a $40,000 grant intended for its Ground Floor program, a nationally recognized incubator for new works. Managing Director Tom Parrish expressed concern, stating:

"This move represents not merely a funding cut, but an attempt to undermine the very existence of the NEA and the shared civic value it embodies."

Similarly, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) faced the rescission of a $25,000 grant for a residency with pianist Lara Downes. LACO's Executive Director Ben Cadwallader remarked:

"How we tell our stories is how we define ourselves. That’s our identity, and without the backing of the federal government in that effort, it’s just profoundly demoralizing."

In Philadelphia, the Baroque orchestra Tempesta di Mare had its $30,000 grant withdrawn, which was intended to fund the "Hidden Virtuosas" project exploring the artistic achievements of female musicians in 18th-century Venice. Executive Director Ulrike Shapiro commented:

"The NEA used to have a slogan 'A great nation deserves great art,' and I think these sorts of actions speak volumes if that no longer seems to be a focus."

In response to these cuts, humanities groups have initiated legal action against the administration. The Federation of State Humanities Councils and the Oregon Council for the Humanities filed a federal lawsuit aiming to reverse significant local funding cuts. The suit accuses the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the NEH of exceeding their authority by terminating congressionally mandated funding and disrupting a longstanding federal-state partnership supporting the humanities.

The broader concern is the long-term viability of cultural institutions and the ripple effects on local economies and artistic careers built on early federal grants. While private donors and foundations are stepping in to fill gaps, arts leaders stress that private funding cannot replace reliable government support.

This is not the first time the NEA and NEH have faced threats of elimination. Previous administrations have proposed cuts, but bipartisan support has historically preserved these institutions. However, the current administration's actions represent a more direct and immediate threat, with the rescission of existing grants and a clear intent to dismantle these agencies.

The administration's focus on projects that align with specific priorities suggests a desire to reshape the cultural landscape to reflect particular values and narratives. By redirecting funds to projects that celebrate traditional aspects of American heritage and align with the President's agenda, the administration may be seeking to consolidate cultural influence and diminish support for initiatives perceived as promoting a "woke agenda."

The proposed elimination of the NEA and NEH, coupled with the immediate termination of grants, has created a crisis for arts organizations across the United States. The administration's shift in funding priorities reflects broader political and cultural objectives, raising significant questions about the future of federal support for the arts and humanities.