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Trump Administration Cuts Senior NSF Staff, USDA Funding

8/1/2025

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Trump Administration Reshapes NSF

The Trump administration is shaking up the National Science Foundation by cutting senior staff positions and altering the balance of executives to nonexecutives. Meanwhile, the USDA's drastic $148.6 million funding cut for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives has left farmers and organizations anxious about the potential fallout on their operations and the lack of transparency surrounding these decisions.

Center

Trump Administration Cuts

The Trump administration's drastic staffing cuts at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) have left a staggering void, with around 700 employees departing. This exodus threatens the oversight of over $12 billion allocated for vital community health services. In a bid to stabilize its workforce, the Agriculture Department is relocating 2,600 employees to new hubs amidst ongoing layoffs.

History

Historical Context

In 2013, the U.S. government implemented an $85 billion sequester, leading to significant budget cuts across various agencies, including a $148.6 million reduction for USDA diversity initiatives. Under the Trump administration, similar austerity measures threatened essential health services and agricultural oversight, raising concerns about long-term impacts on public health resources and operational stability for farmers and agricultural organizations.

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Trump Administration Reshapes NSF

The Trump administration is shaking up the National Science Foundation by cutting senior staff positions and altering the balance of executives to nonexecutives. Meanwhile, the USDA's drastic $148.6 million funding cut for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives has left farmers and organizations anxious about the potential fallout on their operations and the lack of transparency surrounding these decisions.

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