ITIF Statement on President Trump’s FY 2026 Budget Proposal

WASHINGTON—In response to President Trump’s topline discretionary budget proposal for fiscal year 2026, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) released the following statement from ITIF President Robert D. Atkinson:

The president’s budget proposal gets some big things right on tech priorities—but it guts key elements of the scientific foundation American innovation depends on.

It’s encouraging to see continued investment in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and trade enforcement—as well as a long-overdue shift away from obsolete broadband subsidy programs. Cutting duplicative rural broadband efforts is the right move, especially as new technologies like fixed wireless and low-earth orbit satellites are closing the coverage gap. Future efforts should focus on affordability and adoption, not redundant infrastructure.

Proposed funding to strengthen some areas of trade enforcement and protect American innovation are welcomed—especially in countering threats from China. These investments are essential to maintaining U.S. technological leadership and economic security.

But the administration’s proposed cuts to science and health research—including major reductions at the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and specialized institutes that focus on minority health, nursing, and integrative medicine—would do lasting harm. These are core components of America’s innovation ecosystem and vital for addressing complex public health challenges.

Likewise, cutting funding for the National Institute of Science and Technology and the International Trade Administration undercuts the very agencies that help U.S. firms compete and lead globally. And while some reductions at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency may be reasonable, too much could compromise its essential role in securing critical infrastructure.

As Congress considers the president’s proposed budget, lawmakers should preserve investments that support long-term innovation and competitiveness—even as they pursue government efficiency.