White House Science Cuts Jeopardize AI Weather Forecasting and Future US Innovation
The Trump administration’s proposed 55% NSF budget cut threatens to close AI2ES, a key institute improving AI-driven weather forecasting. Without funding, U.S. innovation and talent pipelines in this field may suffer.
White House Science Funding Cuts Threaten AI Weather Forecasting Institute
The Trump administration has proposed a 55% budget cut for the National Science Foundation (NSF), putting the future of a $20 million artificial intelligence institute focused on improving weather forecasting at risk. Congress has yet to finalize the budget, leaving key science initiatives in uncertainty.
The AI Institute for Research on Trustworthy AI in Weather, Climate, and Coastal Oceanography (AI2ES) recently learned from NSF that its five-year grant will not be renewed. Amy McGovern, the institute’s director and a professor at the University of Oklahoma, described the decision bluntly: “It destroys it.” Without new funding, the institute may close as soon as next year.
AI2ES: Bridging AI and Weather Science
Formed in 2020 as part of NSF's AI institutes program, AI2ES brings together multiple universities to integrate artificial intelligence into weather forecasting and to evaluate the reliability of AI methods. This work helps improve assessments of hurricanes and other severe weather events, which is critical for disaster preparedness.
The timing of the funding cut is notable given the administration’s broader push to advance AI technology. Recent plans call for expanding AI research programs, building AI labs, and developing workforce training initiatives. The move to end funding for AI2ES appears inconsistent with these priorities.
Alan Gerard, a former director at the National Severe Storms Laboratory, called the funding decision “dissonant,” emphasizing that it could hamper innovation. Other countries, like China, are investing in similar AI meteorological research, potentially leaving the U.S. behind in this important area.
Impact on Workforce and Innovation
AI2ES has supported approximately 70 research roles annually across its partner universities, creating a valuable pipeline of AI-trained scientists. McGovern noted private AI companies have actively recruited talent from the institute.
The institute’s achievements include over 130 academic papers and practical AI tools used by government agencies. For example, AI2ES developed an application that allows forecasters to “see” inside hurricanes using data from geostationary satellites, which normally cannot penetrate clouds. This innovation helps compensate for gaps when polar-orbiting satellites are not overhead.
Another project focused on assessing trust in AI tools, working with social scientists and actual users to understand how forecasters evaluate AI reliability. This research is vital as private companies like Google develop AI systems for meteorology.
Funding Landscape and Future Outlook
NSF has funded a network of 29 AI institutes, with AI2ES among five up for renewal this year. So far, three have been renewed and one is pending. The agency expressed continued commitment to AI research but noted that further funding depends on congressional appropriations.
Congressional appropriations committees have proposed smaller cuts to science agencies than the White House’s 55% reduction. This ongoing budget uncertainty leaves AI2ES and similar programs vulnerable despite their alignment with national AI workforce goals.
Without renewed funding, AI2ES risks shutting down, potentially hindering the U.S. ability to innovate in weather forecasting AI and weakening a critical talent pipeline.
For professionals interested in AI and its applications in science and government, understanding the evolving funding environment is essential. Training programs and resources in AI continue to expand outside government support. Explore practical AI courses and certifications to stay current and competitive in this field:
