Trump’s Strategic Maneuver: Cutting Climate and Ocean Science Funding Despite Congressional Opposition

The White House recently approved a spending plan that will cut the budget for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Under this plan, NOAA will lose about $239 million compared to last year’s budget for its six key offices, according to Bloomberg Government data.

The National Ocean Service and the Oceanic and Atmospheric Research office, which focuses on climate studies, will face the biggest reductions. Former President Trump had even suggested eliminating the research office entirely. Other NOAA branches, like the National Marine Fisheries Service, will also see budget cuts.

Currently, much of the government is running under a continuing resolution, which keeps funding at last year’s levels to avoid shutdowns. NOAA’s current budget is about $6.3 billion, but the new plan will reduce available funds further. This sets a concerning tone for NOAA’s budget in the coming years, especially with similar cuts anticipated for fiscal 2026.

An interesting note: while most NOAA programs are facing cuts, the National Weather Service is set to receive an increase of about $15 million. This reflects a bipartisan effort to protect this service, especially after recent severe flooding in Texas.

John Potts, a former CFO at NOAA, commented that these funding cuts can seriously hinder NOAA’s ability to carry out its important mission, particularly in areas like climate research and storm detection. He indicated that this trend of budget cuts isn’t just limited to NOAA.

Looking at the broader picture, Trump’s administration has proposed reducing NOAA’s budget by 27% for fiscal 2026, amounting to $4.5 billion. While the appropriations bills in Congress would allocate slightly more than this recommendation, it’s uncertain if this funding will be approved. With Congress expected to introduce another continuing resolution when they return, the future of NOAA’s budget remains uncertain.

In summary, the reduction in NOAA’s budget poses significant challenges not just for weather services but for essential climate and marine research that impacts us all. Understanding how these changes affect NOAA can help us better appreciate the importance of funding for climate resilience and public safety.



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