Libraries, museums, and other non-profit organizations face potential danger from the threats issued by Donald Trump.
Federal Funding Uncertainty for Arts, Humanities, and Learning Programs
In a mix of proposed cuts and level funding, the current federal funding status for arts, humanities, and learning programs in the U.S. presents an uncertain outlook for fiscal year 2026.
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) are facing a proposed 35% cut from the House of Representatives, reducing each agency's funding to $135 million—a significant decrease from FY2025 levels. However, the Senate subcommittee has proposed maintaining funding at the FY2025 levels, $207 million each for NEA and NEH. The final outcome remains uncertain as the budget moves through Congress, with potential amendments that could further reduce or eliminate cultural funding [1].
As for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the appropriations subcommittee has yet to release the FY2026 funding proposal, leaving its status still uncertain as of late July 2025 [1].
In response to federal funding instability, many U.S. states have stepped up to support arts and humanities agencies. Although state-level funding is slightly down by about 7.4% for FY2026 compared to FY2025, some states have increased their investment in the arts despite overall fiscal challenges [2].
The NEA has made adjustments to its programs for FY2026, including the cancellation of its Challenge America grant program and a focus on projects aligned with the America250 initiative commemorating the U.S. Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary [3]. The NEH, on the other hand, continues its Public Humanities Projects grant program for 2025, focusing on themes such as American Military History, The American Dream, American Exceptionalism, and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, supporting exhibitions and historic site interpretive programs [4].
Meanwhile, the Administration's actions extend beyond the NEA and NEH. Reports suggest that the Administration is interfering with the independence and functions of additional national arts and learning institutions [5]. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a report titled "Institute of Museum and Library Services-Applicability of the Impoundment Control Act to Reduction of Agency Functions" on June 16, 2025, addressing the potential implications of these actions [6].
In a separate lawsuit against Donald J. Trump in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, the declaration of Keigh E. Sonderling is part of the case, No. 1:25-cv-00128-JJM-AEM [7]. The Administration's actions have caused ripples across the United States, particularly in small, rural, and low-income communities, where the effects are being felt most acutely.
References:
[1] Associated Press, National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities
[2] National Assembly of State Arts Agencies
[3] National Endowment for the Arts
[4] National Endowment for the Humanities
[5] Association of Art Museum Directors, American Alliance of Museums
[6] Government Accountability Office
[7] Declaration of Keigh E. Sonderling, State of Rhode Island et al. v. Donald J. Trump et al., U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, No. 1:25-cv-00128-JJM-AEM
- The uncertainty over federal funding for arts, humanities, and learning programs in the U.S. for FY2026 is not only affecting the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), but it also impacts the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) as the appropriations subcommittee has yet to release its FY2026 funding proposal.
- While the proposed 35% cut from the House of Representatives for NEA and NEH could drastically reduce each agency's funding, the Senate subcommittee has suggested maintaining FY2025 levels, demonstrating a stark contrast in the political landscape.
- Beyond the domestic implications of federal funding instability for arts and humanities programs, the Administration's actions have raised concerns about the independence and functions of national arts and learning institutions, with potential consequences for general news and self-development as well as small, rural, and low-income communities.
