The Trump administration has begun terminating grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), hours after President Trump’s budget proposal called for eliminating the agency entirely. The actions affect hundreds of arts organizations across the United States.
Organizations receiving NEA funding were notified of the withdrawal and termination of their grants via email late Friday. The messages originated from a generic arts.gov address, arriving shortly after the release of the administration's budget blueprint.
The email stated the NEA is updating its grantmaking policy priorities to focus funding on projects that align with the president's vision, reflecting "the nation’s rich artistic heritage and creativity." Grants deemed outside these new priorities are being terminated, with recipients offered seven days to appeal the decision.
The priorities outlined in the email include projects that elevate HBCUs and Hispanic Serving Institutions, celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, foster AI competency, empower houses of worship, assist disaster recovery, foster skilled trade jobs, support the military and veterans, support Tribal communities, enhance the District of Columbia, and support economic development in Asian American communities.
The proposed budget lists the NEA under "small agency eliminations." The document states this is "consistent with the President's efforts to decrease the size of the Federal Government to enhance accountability, reduce waste, and reduce unnecessary governmental entities." The National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services are also targeted for elimination.
Since its establishment by Congress in 1965, the NEA has awarded billions in grants. It functions as the largest arts funder in the U.S. but remains one of the smallest federal agencies. It receives funding at a level of $207 million, representing 0.003% of the total federal budget.
This is not the first time a Republican administration has sought to reduce or eliminate the agency. However, the NEA has historically received bipartisan support due to its reach into every congressional district.
The budget proposal states remaining funds for targeted agencies account for costs of orderly shutdowns.
