Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios
President Trump's fiscal 2026 budget request calls for deep cuts in funding to the NIH and CDC, as well as other health care programs within HHS.
Why it matters: While Congress has the last say on discretionary funding levels, the budget documents go a long way toward fleshing out Trump's health priorities.
By the numbers: The budget proposal lays out the following recommended cuts:
- NIH: $17.97 billion
- CDC: $3.59 billion
- HRSA: $1.732 billion
- SAMHSA: $1.07 billion
- CMS: $674 million
What's inside: The NIH's almost $18 billion in cuts reflects a consolidation of programs and refocusing of research activities in "line with the president's commitment to MAHA," according to the budget document.
- It also notes that the NIH's involvement with the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the issues around gain-of-function research were part of the reason that the agency is getting reformed. The NIH gave grants to EcoHealth Alliance which then sent funds for research into bat coronaviruses to the Wuhan Institute.
- Funding is also being eliminated for research into minority and health disparities, "gender ideology" issues and climate change.
The budget says that CDC's cuts are to eliminate duplicative or unnecessary programs and DEI efforts. It specifically mentions the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and the Global Health Center.
- It also notes that some of these programs can be "conducted more effectively by states."
- The CMS cuts will have no impact on Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, per the budget, but instead focus on eliminating funding for DEI, health equity or IRA-related projects.
One funding increase is $500 million slated for the so-called MAHA Commission, which will "allow the secretary to tackle nutrition, physical activity, healthy lifestyles" and other related chronic disease initiatives.
