Overview

• The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has terminated over 50% of its 2025 grants, citing alignment with new priorities focused on patriotic, heritage, and targeted community initiatives.
• President Trump's FY2026 budget proposal formally calls for eliminating the NEA, along with other cultural agencies like the NEH and IMLS.
• All ten NEA discipline directors and several senior leaders have departed following offers of voluntary resignation or retirement, further destabilizing the agency.
• Arts organizations across the U.S. are appealing grant terminations, organizing legal challenges, and rallying community and congressional support to counter the funding cuts.
• The NEA's redefined priorities include projects celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence, supporting HBCUs, fostering AI competency, and aiding Tribal communities.