In a recent development, proposals unveiled by President Donald Trump suggest the complete dissolution of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), which serves as a significant source of financial support for numerous individuals and institutions nationwide. This decision forms part of an extensive restructuring plan aiming to remove what Trump describes as “woke” influences within federal cultural agencies.
There has been a wave of notifications sent to various organizations signalling the rejection or withdrawal of previously approved grants, as reported by an official from the NEA on Monday. The organization has also seen an internal shake-up with staff members being encouraged to resign or retire.
Trump’s cultural agency overhaul encompasses more than the NEA. His administration has dismissed key figures, slashed budgets, and imposed new mandates affecting institutions like the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
When contacted for comments on these sweeping changes, the endowment did not provide an immediate response. Meanwhile, Michael Orlove, who heads the state, regional, and local partnerships for the NEA, shared through an affiliated newsletter that he consented to the “deferred resignation program,” planning to step down by month’s end. He commented, “Given the current circumstances, it appeared to be the best route for me and my family.”
Organizations feeling the brunt of these rejected grants range from the Berkeley Repertory Company to Three Percent, a notable literary translation resource affiliated with the University of Rochester. Chad Post, director of Three Percent, released correspondence from the NEA indicating a shift towards prioritizing projects connected to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) among other initiatives.
The NEA’s updated focus lies in promoting projects that elevate the nation’s HBCUs and Hispanic Serving Institutions, celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence, and enhance AI competency. Additionally, projects that empower religious establishments in community service, aid disaster recovery, and foster skilled trades, along with several health and veteran support initiatives are now prioritized.
Furthermore, there have been announcements of grants allocated for Trump’s envisioned “National Garden of American Heroes.” This proposed garden aims to display sculptures of diverse public figures ranging from Benjamin Franklin to sports icon Kobe Bryant.
The NEA and NEH, both established during President Lyndon Johnson’s tenure in the mid-1960s, have historically played a pivotal role in the U.S. cultural framework. This year’s Pulitzer Prize winners, including novelist Percival Everett for fiction and poet Marie Howe, stand as past beneficiaries of NEA’s creative writing fellowships.
The NEA has faced criticism from Republican figures previously. In the 1980s, attempts by President Ronald Reagan to dismantle the agency were reversed following advice highlighting the economic advantages from NEA funding. The endowment faced further challenges in later years, most notably led by Sen. Jesse Helms, objecting to grants to controversial artists. Yet, eventual bipartisan agreements have managed to save the organization.
In his initial presidential term, Trump also advocated for the cessation of NEA funding, though Congress ultimately restored the finances.