Trump’s proposed budget deals another big blow to science, clean energy, and the environment

The Verge - May 2nd, 2025
Open on The Verge

President Donald Trump has unveiled a budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year that suggests extensive cuts across various federal agencies, notably slashing $15 billion in funding for renewable energy projects and carbon capture technologies. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) faces a potential halving of its budget, while the National Institutes of Health (NIH) could see a nearly 40% reduction, losing almost $18 billion. Additional cuts target the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and programs promoting racial equity. These proposals have been met with criticism for their potential to undermine environmental protections, scientific research, and public health initiatives.

These budget cuts come in the context of ongoing efforts by Trump, supported by Elon Musk, to reduce the scope of federal agencies and prioritize deregulation. Critics argue that the proposed budget reflects an anti-science and racially insensitive agenda, potentially reversing gains made in climate change mitigation and public health. The budget's implications are significant, threatening the future of clean energy projects and critical scientific research, while also provoking legal challenges due to attempts to retract previously approved funding. The proposal's language and priorities have sparked backlash from scientific and environmental communities, highlighting concerns over the erosion of federal support for crucial initiatives that safeguard public health and the environment.

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RATING

5.8
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a critical examination of President Trump's proposed budget cuts, focusing on their potential negative impacts on environmental and health initiatives. It effectively highlights issues of public interest and timeliness, engaging readers with its clear presentation of complex topics. However, the article's reliance on emotionally charged language, lack of balanced perspectives, and insufficient transparency regarding sources and methodologies detract from its overall credibility and objectivity. By addressing these areas, the article could offer a more comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the budget's implications, fostering a more informed and balanced public discourse.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article presents several key claims regarding proposed budget cuts by President Trump, which are largely accurate in their general scope but require nuanced verification for specific figures. For instance, the article's claim of a $15 billion cut in federal funding for renewable energy aligns with broader reporting, though exact figures and contexts vary. Similarly, the assertion of an $18 billion reduction for the National Institutes of Health is corroborated by other sources, though minor discrepancies in exact amounts exist. Claims about cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency and NOAA are plausible but lack direct corroboration from available data. The article's dramatic language, such as describing the budget document as "laced with racist, anti-science, petty, and cruel language," lacks direct evidence and may overstate the tone without specific examples from the document itself.

5
Balance

The article predominantly presents a critical perspective on President Trump's budget proposal, focusing on the negative impacts and criticisms from specific groups like the Union of Concerned Scientists. While it effectively highlights potential consequences of the budget cuts, it lacks a balanced presentation by not including perspectives from proponents of the budget or explanations of the administration's rationale. This one-sided portrayal may lead readers to perceive the article as biased, as it does not sufficiently explore alternative viewpoints or the potential benefits that supporters might argue for these fiscal policies.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear in its presentation of the proposed budget cuts and their potential impacts. It uses straightforward language and provides specific figures and examples to illustrate its points. However, the tone occasionally shifts to emotionally charged language, such as describing the budget as a "wrecking ball" and using terms like "racist" and "cruel," which may detract from the objective clarity. These elements could lead to confusion or misinterpretation by readers who might expect a more neutral presentation of the facts.

6
Source quality

The article references statements from credible organizations like the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Environmental Protection Network, lending some authority to its claims. However, it does not provide direct citations or links to primary sources such as the budget document itself or official statements from the administration. This reliance on secondary sources without direct attribution to primary documents weakens the overall reliability and authority of the reporting, as readers cannot independently verify the context or content of the proposed budget cuts.

4
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in several areas, particularly in its failure to disclose the methodology behind its claims or to provide direct access to primary sources. While it quotes individuals and organizations critical of the budget, it does not clarify the basis for these critiques beyond their statements. Additionally, the article does not reveal potential conflicts of interest or biases of the quoted sources, which could influence the interpretation of the budget proposal's impact. This lack of transparency may hinder readers' ability to fully understand the context and motivations behind the article's claims.

Sources

  1. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/unpacking-trumps-budget-proposal-and-where-he-wants-to-cut-billions-in-spending
  2. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/government/student-aid-policy/2025/05/02/trump-proposes-deep-cuts-education-and-research
  3. https://www.eenews.net/articles/trump-budget-would-decimate-climate-renewables-funding/