October 08, 2025
Back to all stories

Report: Federal cancellations cost RTI $352M

A Harris Search Associates analysis finds the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency terminated an estimated $352 million in RTI grants and contracts in FY2025 through 1 August, forcing the North Carolina-based institute to lay off hundreds. The cuts—concentrated in USAID global health/education work and climate-related projects, including a $95M EPA award—left RTI accounting for 109 of 155 cancellations across independent research institutes; RTI independently confirmed 170 federal awards were canceled but did not provide a dollar figure.

Government Science Economy

📌 Key Facts

  • Estimated $352 million in RTI funding canceled in FY2025; 109 of 155 AIRI cancellations tied to RTI
  • 22 USAID grants were among the terminated awards; USAID was shuttered this year
  • $95 million EPA grant serving underserved communities was among the cancellations; RTI reports 170 awards canceled

📰 Sources (1)