Trump proposes eliminating the NEA and NEH as arts grants are canceled

The Washington Post ^ | May 3, 2025 | Samantha Chery

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Trump’s proposed budget follows his attempts to reshape the nation’s arts landscape and defund institutions.

President Donald Trump’s budget proposal would eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, reviving his failed first-term attempts to scrap the grantmaking agencies as he moves to reshape the nation’s artistic and cultural landscape.

The proposed cuts come even after the NEH slashed its workforce and the NEA canceled grants in compliance with Trump’s directives to reduce the federal workforce and shut down diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The tentative budget plan also targets the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, as part of $163 billion in proposed cuts across much of the federal government.

Established by Congress in 1965, the NEA serves as the largest funder of the arts and arts education for communities across the country, primarily through grantmaking. The NEH helps fund humanities programs by supporting museums, libraries, universities and public television and radio stations. Since Trump returned to office, he has enacted and proposed drastic changes to both agencies to fit his agenda for the arts, which includes extinguishing efforts to extend the reach of the arts to diverse communities and shifting funding to causes he deems more patriotic, including celebrations for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

In February, the NEA announced the cancellation of its Challenge America grant — reserved for projects supporting underserved communities — and the introduction of the Grants for Arts Projects — for initiatives that “celebrate the nation’s rich artistic heritage and creativity by honoring the semiquincentennial of the United States of America.”

Trump’s 2026 fiscal year budget proposal must be approved by...

[qam1]

Where in the Constitution is it stated the Feds are allowed to take money and give it to someone else for the sake of “art?”

It is there

Article 1, Section 8 on Congress's power

To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;

So unfortunately, I think Congress has to kill it not Trump, though it could be argued the crap the NEA promotes isn't "Useful" or "Art"

[KC_Conspirator]

Im so old I remember “Piss Christ”.

[bantam]

👏👏👏👏👏👏!!!!

[gildafarrell]

Hot diggity dog. Great idea, Mr President. Keep up with the winning. You make us proud.

[cowboyusa]

End the Nsa also.

[Bikkuri]

I think “art” was lost long ago..
Just look at anything they consider “art” anymore :^P

[PIF]

I think “art” was lost long ago..

—
like with the end of the Renaissance ...

[Dixie Yooper]

Dear Nancy, Remember back during Covid 19 when you finally came back from CA with your own bill that protected all your artsy friends from the same relief I had planned for everyone?
Yeah, me too.

Sincerely,
Your President

[hal ogen]

Society will benefit if various “artists” are forced to leave their parasitic life getting taxpayers’ monies. Any “art” worth anything should be supported by private individuals who like it and find value in it.

Much of “art” is blatant BS.