Fact Check: Trump's administration has proposed cutting federal funding for basic scientific research by a third.

Fact Check: "Trump's administration has proposed cutting federal funding for basic scientific research by a third."

What We Know

The claim that the Trump administration proposed cutting federal funding for basic scientific research by a third is supported by multiple analyses. According to a report by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 would reduce funding for basic scientific research from approximately $45 billion to $30 billion, representing a cut of roughly 34 percent. This analysis aggregates cuts across various federal agencies that support scientific research and grants to universities. Overall, the proposed budget for all scientific funding would decrease from $198 billion to $154 billion, a reduction of about 22 percent (source-2).

Additionally, a report from Nature corroborates these findings, indicating that the proposed budget cuts would indeed impact federally funded basic research significantly, aligning with the claim in question.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes from reputable sources, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science, which is a well-regarded organization in the scientific community. Their analysis is based on comprehensive data from federal budget proposals and reflects a consensus among scientists and advocacy groups regarding the potential implications of these cuts. The New York Times article highlights the potential consequences of such funding reductions, stating that it could jeopardize America's leadership in science and innovation.

However, it's important to note that while the Trump administration's budget proposal indicates significant cuts, the final funding levels depend on congressional approval. As reported by Nature, there are indications that some members of Congress may reject these proposed cuts, suggesting that the actual implementation of the budget may differ from the initial proposal. This uncertainty is crucial when evaluating the claim, as the proposed cuts may not materialize if Congress intervenes.

Conclusion

The claim that "Trump's administration has proposed cutting federal funding for basic scientific research by a third" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that the administration's budget proposal includes substantial cuts to basic scientific research funding, specifically a reduction of approximately 34 percent. While the final outcome remains contingent on congressional action, the proposal itself is clear and well-documented.

Fact Check: Trump's administration has proposed cutting federal funding for basic scientific research by a third.