The Trump administration is seeking to reduce federal funding dedicated to brain injury research, revealed through the 2026 fiscal budget proposal submitted to Congress by the White House. While the budget is not official until approved by Congress members, if it passes, it could undermine efforts to mitigate head injuries in sports.

The budget plan includes $3.59 billion in cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), specifically slashing $8.25 million earmarked for educational efforts and research on traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including the Heads Up program that offers online training for youth sports participants.

According to ESPN, as of April 1, all five staff members directing the TBI program have been placed on paid administrative leave. Funding for TBI research was first approved by Congress back in 1996, but it expired at the end of 2024 and has not yet been renewed, currently stalled in the House of Representatives.

“Brain injuries aren’t limited to motor vehicle accidents and professional football; they are increasingly common in various situations, affecting youth sports and elderly individuals,” stated Dr. Mohammed Elamir, the lead physician at Aviv Clinics in Florida. “Research aimed at prevention and treatment must remain a priority. Any financial reductions to this effort would hinder progress.”

The CDC estimates that 5-10% of athletes sustain a concussion each sports season, with recovery times varying significantly. Some athletes, like UConn basketball player Caroline Ducharme, experience prolonged effects.

Concussions are prevalent across all sports levels, underscoring the necessity for ongoing research to implement measures that can lessen the incidence of such injuries. The NFL is one of the organizations recently taking steps to reduce concussions, reporting in 2024 a drop to the lowest number documented since tracking began in 2015, mainly attributed to improved safety equipment and regulatory changes.