Former NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has warned that President Donald Trump’s proposed $6 billion budget cut to the space agency is “a chainsaw and a meat-ax” approach. The cuts, which would slash nearly $2.3 billion from space science missions and more than $1 billion from earth science programs, could undermine the agency’s core mission to explore space.
Nelson criticized the administration’s focus on human space exploration efforts, saying that reducing funding for science and research programs is like “eating our seed corn.” He argued that NASA should be focused on searching for life beyond Earth and understanding humanity’s place in the universe.
The proposed cuts have raised concerns among lawmakers, with some Republicans in states impacted by the cuts potentially resisting Trump’s efforts. Nelson expressed uncertainty about whether these lawmakers would speak out on behalf of their constituents’ interests.
As Nelson prepares to leave his position as administrator, he has left a letter for his successor, urging them to prioritize NASA’s long-term success and ensure that the agency’s mission transcends single administrations and leaders.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/15/nasa-cuts-trump-bill-nelson-00351639