The Washington State University Regents have begun discussions regarding the potential local effects of the new administration’s initiatives aimed at decreasing the size of the federal government.

President Donald Trump has issued several executive orders that impact higher education and research funding. These orders include reductions in the indirect costs that the National Institutes of Health will cover through research grants and halt orders for projects funded by USAID. The administration has indicated that these orders may jeopardize millions of dollars in federal funding for WSU, with many of the orders currently facing legal challenges.

During the meeting, WSU Regent Brett Blankenship, who is also a wheat farmer from Washtucna, emphasized the need for support from the agricultural community in defending federal funding.

WSU Provost R. Chris Riley-Tillman informed the regents that the challenges to federal funding could potentially lead to a stronger institution in the long term.

Provost Riley-Tillman also conveyed that the anticipated federal spending cuts could necessitate the implementation of hiring and travel freezes, along with permanent budget reductions.

The WSU Regents are convening for a full day to address the institution’s financial challenges.