The potential consequences of cutting funds for behavioral science

NPR | By Katia Riddle

Published June 1, 2026 at 6:01 PM EDT

The Trump administration continues its assault on science. One little-known area that's been neglected in funding this year is federal research into social, behavioral and economic science.

Katia Riddle

Katia Riddle is a correspondent at NPR covering mental health. She has reported extensively on the impact of events such as Hurricane Helene, Los Angeles wildfires and the loneliness epidemic. Prior to her current role, she covered public health including reproductive rights and homelessness. She won a 2024 Gracie Award for a series on reproductive rights.

Support quality journalism, like the story above,
with your gift right now.

Donate

The potential consequences of cutting funds for behavioral science

Support quality journalism, like the story above, with your gift right now.

Support quality journalism, like the story above,
with your gift right now.