Museum and Education Groups Oppose Trump's 2027 Budget Eliminating Arts Funding
President Trump's 2027 budget proposal has sparked backlash from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and the National Education Association (NEA), suggesting a drastic cut of $73 billion in domestic spending. The plan includes the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, along with the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities, and proposes a $3.2 billion reduction for the U.S. Department of Education. On April 6, AAM called the proposal 'misguided,' highlighting that museums contribute over $50 billion annually and support 726,000 jobs. NEA President Becky Pringle raised concerns about public education funding on April 3. The budget also proposes $1.5 trillion for military expenses, a 40% increase from 2026. AAM is requesting $55 million for IMLS, $213 million each for NEA and NEH, and $250 million for historic preservation.
Key facts
- Trump's 2027 budget proposes eliminating IMLS, NEA, and NEH
- Budget cuts $73 billion in domestic spending and $3.2 billion from Education Department
- AAM released opposition statement on April 6, 2026
- NEA President Becky Pringle issued statement on April 3, 2026
- Military spending increases 40% to $1.5 trillion in proposed budget
- IMLS survived March 2025 executive order through successful lawsuit
- Congress restored NEA and NEH funding through fiscal year 2026 in January 2026
- AAM advocates for $55 million IMLS funding and $213 million each for NEA/NEH
Entities
Institutions
- National Education Association
- American Alliance of Museums
- Institute of Museum and Library Services
- National Endowment for the Arts
- National Endowment for the Humanities
- U.S. Department of Education
- Smithsonian Institution
- U.S. Congress
- White House
- Education Week
- Glasstire
Locations
- United States