Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) warned that reductions in federal research funding under the Trump administration could weaken America’s position as a global innovation leader and allow rivals to gain ground in critical technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Schiff Warns US Tech Leadership Is at Risk
On Wednesday, Schiff criticized the Donald Trump administration’s approach to scientific research funding, saying reduced support for research could weaken America’s position as a global innovation leader.
"The United States is the world’s leader in science and innovation, a role we’ve played for more than a century," he said.
He added, "The Trump administration’s endless attacks on research funding put that position of preeminence at risk."
Schiff argued that investments in scientific research have helped the U.S. maintain an edge in areas such as advanced technology, artificial intelligence, medicine and other emerging industries.
"We cannot let these harmful policies be the reason we forfeit our lead in cutting-edge technology to our competitors," Schiff wrote.
The United States is the world’s leader in science and innovation, a role we’ve played for more than a century.
— Senator Adam Schiff (@SenAdamSchiff) August 5, 2026
The Trump administration’s endless attacks on research funding put that position of preeminence at risk.
We cannot let these harmful policies be the reason we…
Economic Impact of Science Cuts
In a letter to President Trump, Schiff urged the administration to reverse what he described as “destructive cuts” to science and research funding, saying reduced federal investment could hurt life-saving medical research, space exploration and technological innovation.
“Without robust federal funding and prioritization of our scientific workforce, we are at grave risk of ceding influence and power to our competitors abroad,” Schiff wrote.
The California senator also argued that proposed funding reductions would have broad economic consequences, citing researchers’ estimates of $2.8 billion in losses from disrupted National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation grants.
He said a 25% cut in federal research and development spending could reduce U.S. GDP by a rate comparable to the Great Recession.
Trump Pushes AI Chips Funding, Psychedelic Research
Last month, the Trump administration advanced AI and healthcare initiatives, with the Commerce Department announcing $874 million in CHIPS Act incentives for seven semiconductor companies developing AI and high-performance computing technologies.
The government will receive minority stakes in the companies.
In April, Trump also directed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to accelerate reviews of psychedelic treatments, including ibogaine research and committed $50 million to study its potential for treating PTSD.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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