Instant Insight

30-Second Take

• The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has placed a majority of its staff on immediate administrative leave.
• This move follows the termination of grants to many humanities councils across the country.
• The cuts are part of broader reductions imposed by the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

The NEH, founded in 1965, is the country’s largest public funder of the humanities, supporting research, innovation, and preservation in disciplines related to culture, society, and values. Recent cuts include significant reductions in staff and the termination of grant programs.

Core Players

• National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) – Primary agency affected
• U.S. Department of Government Efficiency – Agency imposing the cuts
• Michael McDonald – Interim director of NEH, previously its general counsel
• Stephen Kidd – Executive director of the National Humanities Alliance

Key Numbers

• 70-80% – Estimated percentage of NEH staff to be let go
• $78.25 million – NEH’s annual grant budget
• 180 – Approximate number of NEH staff members
• $6 billion – Total grants allocated by NEH since its founding

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

The recent cuts are part of a broader effort by the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency to reduce federal spending. This move comes just three weeks after the resignation of NEH’s President Trump’s-appointed chair, Shelly Lowe.

“The NEH supports the full range of humanities work that takes place at higher ed institutions,” said Stephen Kidd, executive director of the National Humanities Alliance. “Cuts would be particularly devastating, because unlike a lot of private funders, the NEH is more prestige-blind.”

Inside Forces

The NEH has been a critical source of funding for humanities research, academic publishing, and professional development programs for faculty. The agency’s mandate to support the humanities across the country has made it a vital resource for smaller and public institutions.

Interim director Michael McDonald, who previously served as the NEH’s general counsel, is now leading the agency through this challenging period.

Power Dynamics

The decision to cut NEH funding and staff reflects a broader policy shift away from investing in the humanities. This move aligns with previous actions by the administration to reduce funding for educational and cultural programs.

“The cut adds up to a huge net loss for all of higher education,” said Paula Krebs, executive director of the Modern Language Association. “It suggests that it is not worth investing in the study of our culture and the culture of others.”

Outside Impact

The cuts will have significant implications for higher education institutions, museums, historical sites, and libraries. These organizations rely heavily on NEH grants for various projects, including curriculum development and community programs.

Aiko Yamashiro, executive director of the Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities, expressed concern about the impact on local communities: “I feel angry at these kinds of violent cuts that are impacting so many people, not just in our sector but across our different sectors.”

Future Forces

The termination of grants and reduction in staff will likely lead to a significant decrease in humanities-related projects and initiatives. Advocates are urging Congress to take action to mitigate these cuts and ensure continued support for the humanities.

Key areas that will be affected include:

• Curriculum development in higher education
• Academic publishing and research
• Community programs and public humanities initiatives

Data Points

• 1965 – Year the NEH was founded
• April 3, 2025 – Date NEH staff were informed of the cuts
• $9 million – Amount NEH has provided to support humanities projects in Hawaii since 2020
• 42 – Number of humanities projects supported by NEH in Hawaii since 2020