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POLICY & ADVOCACY UPDATE

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 October 2025

BEN GOODRICH
BEN GOODRICH*
Affiliation:
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
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Type
Association News
Information
Political Science Today , Volume 5 , Issue 3 , August 2025 , pp. 66
Copyright
© American Political Science Association 2025

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION RELEASES BUDGET REQUEST

On May 3, the Trump Administration released preliminary details of the fiscal year (FY) 2026 presidential budget request, with additional details emerging in the following weeks. The President’s FY 2026 budget reiterates the Administration’s stated priorities of “reducing waste” and “improving efficiency” through targeted investments in specific areas and terminating funding for initiatives that do not align with the President’s policy positions.

The President’s budget request for FY 2026 includes $3.903 billion for the National Science Foundation (NSF), which would slash the agency’s funding by $5.2 billion or 56.9%. It also calls for the elimination of funding for International Education and Foreign Language Studies (IEFLS) at the Department of Education, which received $85.6 million the previous year.

When considering these numbers, it is important to remember that the President’s budget request remains a largely symbolic policy document outlining the Administration’s priorities for the year ahead. While it is possible that some of the President’s requests will be enacted, Congress has the final say over the allocation of funds. Congress is not expected to cut spending to the extent in the budget request, however there is a chance of smaller cuts being made.

APSA PUBLISHES RESOURCES FOR MEMBERS IN TIMES OF UPHEAVAL

In response to the rapidly evolving political climate and its impact on academic freedom, research funding, and democratic institutions, the American Political Science Association (APSA) has launched a new collection of resources designed to support political scientists navigating these challenges. The collection, Why Political Science Matters: Resources for APSA Members in Times of Political and Institutional Upheaval, offers members tools for advocacy, professional development, and public engagement.

This resource hub includes:

  • • Advocacy Opportunities: Learn how APSA is advocating for discipline and how members can get involved.

  • • Member Support Resources: Guidance and support for those facing restrictions or institutional pushback in their research or teaching.

  • • Research & Teaching Materials: Curated content on democratic backsliding, civic engagement, and challenges to higher education.

APSA ADVOCACY PROGRAM

The American Political Science Association (APSA) Advocacy Program advances the discipline of political science by educating policy makers and the citizenry about political science scholarship and education. APSA seeks to increase federal support for basic and applied political science research, to promote independent peer review, and to advocate for academic freedom. APSA’s advocacy activities address funding priorities across the discipline, with more information available on our advocacy website about how members can engage in action alerts and other at-home advocacy.

APSA also advocates on behalf of political scientists and political science departments through letters, statements, and direct advocacy in Washington. To inquire about the possibility of APSA performing advocacy on your behalf, please submit information about your situation to . ■