The White House's proposed budget for NASA, a nearly 25% reduction, has triggered widespread condemnation. The $18.8 billion allocation for fiscal year 2026 represents a significant $6 billion decrease from the 2025 figure. This drastic cut proposes the cancellation of several pivotal programs, including the lunar Gateway and the termination of the Space Launch System and Orion programs after Artemis 3.
The proposed budget also includes curtailing the International Space Station's use and significant reductions in space technology funding. This has sparked strong reactions from members of Congress and industry. Rep. Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) described the cuts as “shocking – the largest in American history,” highlighting the potential damage to research and education. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) expressed concerns that the budget favors SpaceX, stating, “We would never have gotten to the moon or be talking about Mars without NASA’s science mission — and should not let Trump/Musk jeopardize America’s future leadership.” Rep. George Whitesides (D-Calif.) called the proposal “completely irresponsible.”
Industry groups, including the Coalition for Deep Space Exploration and the Commercial Space Federation (CSF), have voiced their concerns. While the CSF acknowledged potential benefits from a transition to commercial partnerships, they criticized reductions to space and Earth science, along with impacts to commercial utilization of the ISS. The Planetary Society also criticized the proposal, emphasizing that such drastic cuts would “cause chaos, waste the taxpayers’ investment, and undermine American leadership in space.”
International repercussions are significant. The European Space Agency (ESA), a key partner in numerous NASA projects, is assessing the impact on its programs. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher confirmed that the agency is discussing potential alternative scenarios. The Canadian Space Agency is also reviewing the implications, aiming to maintain momentum for its space program.