US Cultural Agencies Face Deep Cuts, Staff Layoffs Under Trump Administration

Washington, D.C. — The infrastructure supporting America’s cultural and historical institutions has been significantly impacted by actions from the Trump administration. These measures follow earlier reductions impacting the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), with the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) becoming the latest federal agency affected.

Late on the evening of April 2, 2025, the NEH initiated steps that dramatically altered its operations. According to acting agency chair Michael McDonald, all previously awarded grants to the 56 state and jurisdictional councils, as well as direct recipients, were terminated with immediate effect. McDonald stated the purpose was to “repurpose its funding allocations in a new direction in furtherance of President Trump’s agenda.”

Understanding the Impact

The termination of these grants represents a substantial withdrawal of federal support from humanities programs across the nation. Approximately 1,200 congressionally approved grants, which were intended to support a wide array of cultural and history programs, have been revoked. These grants underpin research, education, public programs, and preservation efforts vital to museums, libraries, universities, historical societies, and other non-profit organizations at the state and local levels.

The NEH, established by Congress in 1965, has been a cornerstone of federal support for the humanities for nearly six decades. Over its history, the agency has awarded more than $65 billion in grants, fostering scholarship, promoting public understanding of history and culture, and preserving valuable collections and sites. In 2024, the NEH received $207 million in congressional funding, with roughly half of this allocation directed towards the state grants that have now been cancelled.

Scale of Staff Reductions

The impact of these changes extends beyond funding cuts to the agency’s workforce. As of April 4, 2025, 145 NEH staffers were placed on administrative leave by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This number accounts for approximately 80 percent of the NEH’s total workforce. This action follows a similar move announced in late March, when all 75 employees of the IMLS were also put on leave, signaling a broader pattern affecting key federal cultural and information agencies.

Expert Reactions and Future Concerns

The severity of these actions has drawn sharp criticism from professional organizations. The American Historical Association, a prominent voice in the field, has referred to these developments as an “evisceration.” The association issued a stark warning about the potential consequences, suggesting that these cuts could lead to the ruin of numerous institutions and initiatives across the country.

Concerns are particularly high for programs focused on historic preservation and architectural conservation, areas heavily reliant on federal funding channeled through agencies like the NEH and IMLS. The sudden termination of grants leaves many projects mid-stream and casts doubt on the future viability of preservation efforts that protect the nation’s historical buildings and sites. Institutions that depend on NEH funding for archival work, digitization projects, exhibitions, and educational outreach also face significant uncertainty.

Conclusion

The abrupt cessation of funding for over a thousand grants and the near-total furlough of the NEH workforce, alongside earlier actions at the IMLS, represent a profound shift in federal policy towards cultural and historical support. Critics argue that dismantling these agencies’ capacity undermines the infrastructure necessary to study, preserve, and share the American story and its diverse cultural heritage. The full, long-term ramifications for the nation’s cultural landscape, including the future of museums, libraries, historical sites, and educational programs, remain a significant concern following these unprecedented administrative actions.