NASA Loses Millions as Musk and Trump Cut Space Agency’s Budget
As part of a large-scale campaign to optimize government spending, initiated by the Trump administration, NASA is forced to terminate contracts worth $420 million. The decision, made by the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Elon Musk’s leadership, is causing concern in the scientific community.
Massive Cuts at NASA and Federal Agencies
NASA has found itself at the center of a major reorganization under pressure from the Trump administration and leadership of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). According to Universe Space Tech, the space agency is forced to terminate contracts worth $420 million.
Federal agencies have begun massive cuts and program cancellations. DOGE, headed by Elon Musk, claims significant budget savings, though the real figures are questionable. Of the total $420 million, $45 million accounts for contracts with three “change management” consultants. However, the actual savings amounted to only $26.1 million instead of the claimed $44.5 million due to pre-paid obligations.
NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens, a former representative of Republican Senator Ted Cruz, asserts that the optimization will help the agency focus on priority projects. However, critics note that diversity and inclusion programs have been cut, despite NASA’s status as one of the most progressive employers in 2023.
Parallel changes have affected other federal agencies. The National Park Service reports an increase in canceled projects, the National Oceanic Research Administration is cutting critical meteorological programs, and the FDA has suspended part of its food quality control.
DOGE has already been accused of data manipulation. Specifically, in February, the department claimed savings of $8 billion, though the real amount was only $8 million. Experts warn about the risks of excessive optimization, which could undermine long-term research in climate and space technologies.
Trump and Musk’s reforms are creating a precedent for massive cuts in scientific programs, but the real effectiveness of such changes remains questionable. The future of U.S. space research is under threat due to political decisions and non-transparent cost optimization mechanisms.
