Trump Planning Brutal Cuts to NASA: "Extinction-Level Event for NASA Science"

President Donald Trump has launched a sweeping plan to slash NASA’s science programs, a move experts are calling an "extinction-level event" for the agency’s research mission. The cuts, announced as part of his 2025 budget proposal, would drastically shrink NASA’s Earth Science Division, climate research efforts, and key satellite programs.

Trump, who is currently serving his second non-consecutive term, is pushing to refocus NASA almost entirely on human spaceflight, particularly the Moon landings and Mars missions, while ignoring climate science and Earth observation. “NASA needs to concentrate on space exploration, not studying the environment,” Trump said during a recent White House briefing. He criticized previous administrations for what he called the “politicization” of the space agency through climate research.

Earth Science in the Crosshairs

The NASA Earth Science Division, which oversees satellites monitoring global temperatures, sea levels, and atmospheric conditions, is the target of the most significant reductions. Under Trump’s plan, funding for many of these missions would be reduced or eliminated, including programs critical to hurricane forecasting, drought prediction, and wildfire tracking.

Scientists warn the consequences could be catastrophic. According to Dr., "NASA's Earth science missions provide essential data for understanding and responding to global challenges." Maria Hernandez, a climate scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. "Without them, we would be flying blind into an era of worsening disasters."

There may be significant threats to funding for programs like Landsat, which has been mapping the surface of the Earth since 1972, and the Sentinel-6 satellite, which is essential for monitoring the rise in sea levels. An Ideological Shift

Trump’s move is consistent with his broader skepticism of climate change science. In his first term, Trump withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement and rolled back numerous environmental regulations. Now, with tighter control over executive agencies and stronger support in Congress, he is pushing more aggressively to reshape federal science priorities.

"We’re getting back to real space exploration," said a senior Trump administration official. "We’re not wasting taxpayer dollars on political science experiments."

Critics argue that the cuts are less about fiscal responsibility and more about dismantling climate research that Trump politically opposes.

Effects on the Scientific Community as a Whole The reaction from scientists, environmental groups, and some lawmakers has been swift. Former NASA leaders have warned that the cuts would not only hurt environmental monitoring but also undermine U.S. leadership in global science.

Dr. said, "NASA’s ability to study both the Earth and the universe is its unique strength." Former NASA Chief Scientist Ellen Stofan "Abandoning Earth science would be a tragic mistake."

Risks to national security are raised by others. Forecasting food shortages, managing water resources, and preparing for natural disasters are all crucial aspects of global stability, and data from NASA satellites play a crucial role in these endeavors. Resistance Mounts

Democratic lawmakers and some moderate Republicans have vowed to fight the cuts. Environmental groups have launched campaigns to raise public awareness, emphasizing how NASA’s science programs impact everyday life — from tracking severe weather to informing farmers about crop conditions.

Despite the pushback, Trump remains undeterred. His administration has already begun redirecting resources toward Artemis, the Moon mission, and planning for future Mars expeditions.

A New Era for NASA — or a Setback?

NASA has long balanced its dual mission of space exploration and Earth science. Trump’s radical redefinition of that mission could have lasting impacts, shaping the agency’s focus — and America’s scientific leadership — for decades to come.

At a time when climate change is accelerating and natural disasters are increasing in frequency and severity, many fear that losing NASA’s vital Earth observation programs will leave the U.S. — and the world — dangerously unprepared

“It’s not just about space,” said Dr. Hernandez. “It’s about survival here on Earth.”