Trump’s Budget Ax Falls Hard On Climate Programs, Gutting Renewable Future

President Trump’s budget proposal slashes $163 billion in spending, with climate programs facing severe cuts. The plan eliminates $15 billion for clean energy initiatives, redirects infrastructure funding, and reduces NASA’s climate research. The administration labels these programs a “Green New Scam” while prioritizing fossil fuel development. Republicans control Congress, making approval more likely. These cuts could fundamentally reshape America’s approach to environmental challenges for years to come.

President Trump’s new budget proposal takes aim at climate programs with deep spending cuts across multiple federal agencies. The fiscal year 2026 plan includes $163 billion in overall spending cuts, with climate initiatives bearing a considerable portion of the reductions. The White House has characterized climate programs as a “Green New Scam” that requires elimination.

The budget targets $21 billion in unspent funds from the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law, focusing heavily on renewable energy initiatives and production. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure would see major funding reductions. According to a White House fact sheet, the administration is committed to “eliminating funding for the globalist climate agenda” while focusing on “unleashing American energy production” through fossil fuels.

Federal climate research faces elimination across multiple agencies. NASA’s science budget would be cut considerably, affecting the agency’s ability to monitor climate from space. Scientists have described these potential impacts as “disastrous” for ongoing research efforts. The budget also eliminates “green aviation” programs and what the administration calls “failing space propulsion projects.”

OMB Director Russ Vought defended the cuts, stating that climate programs are “antithetical to the American way of life.” The administration is exploring ways to exert more control over federal spending, including potentially refusing to spend funds appropriated by lawmakers. These cuts align with how major oil companies are scaling back renewables to focus on traditional fossil fuel operations for higher profits.

The budget reflects a shift in U.S. energy priorities away from renewables and carbon reduction initiatives. Instead, it focuses on increased fossil fuel development as part of the White House’s “American energy production” strategy. The proposed elimination of $15 billion in funding related to clean energy and climate initiatives represents a systematic dismantling of environmental protections. Efforts led by Elon Musk’s team, known as DOGE, have contributed to these climate program reductions as part of their broader federal workforce cuts.

Scientists have expressed concerns about the long-term impacts on climate science capabilities. The cuts would affect multiple federal agencies involved in tracking and addressing climate change. The budget also targets diversity initiatives within scientific programs.

With Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress and showing willingness to follow Trump’s policy directions, the budget proposal has an increased likelihood of approval. However, it still represents a starting point for congressional negotiations.