U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick announced on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, that nearly $4 million in funding to Princeton University will be discontinued. This decision follows a review of the Department’s financial assistance programs against the current objectives of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This move aligns with President Trump’s commitment to streamline the federal government.
"The Department of Commerce is delivering on that promise," the announcement read.
Funding for awards to Princeton University will cease as they do not align with NOAA's program objectives or the Trump Administration’s priorities. This measure is expected to save taxpayers millions of dollars and will take effect on June 30, 2025.
The Department of Commerce plans to continue evaluating its cooperative agreements, grant awards, and other financial assistance to prevent wasteful government spending. "The Department will, of course, continue to review its outstanding cooperative agreements, grant awards, and other financial assistance on an individualized basis to avoid wasteful governmental spending—whether they be to Princeton or any other recipient," the statement clarified.
The initiative to reduce and streamline the Department's external financial assistance programs is part of a broader effort to "right size" the federal government. The Department aims to responsibly manage federal funding sourced from American taxpayers.
