Karon Law Blog

President’s Budget Slashes TBI Prevention and Treatment Funds

Posted June 19, 2025

[Editor’s/Founder’s Note: While the final version of the “Big Beautiful Bill” is being worked out, as explained below, the President’s Budget proposal would eliminate several important programs for traumatic brain injury research, prevention, education and treatment. JAK]

By Julia Sicard

The White House’s proposed 2026 fiscal budget would dramatically cut federal funding for traumatic brain injury (TBI) research, education, and treatment (ESPN).

On the chopping block are programs including: HEADS UP—the nation’s leading concussion education initiative; The National Concussion Surveillance System—the only comprehensive source of national brain injury data; and TBI Model System Centers—providing both emergency services and long-term rehabilitation for people afflicted with brain injuries. (BIAA-Budget). The Center for Disease Control’s TBI staff were already placed on administrative leave in April of this year (ESPN).

Most media coverage on these cuts focuses on the potential negative impact for professional and youth athletes (ESPN & Baylor Lariat). Yet sports players are not the only people affected by traumatic brain injuries. Falls and car crashes are the main causes of the nearly 2.8 million TBIs sustained by Americans each year (BIAA-Chronic). Those tempted to cheer for budget cuts should recognize that TBI programs are a lifeline to affected families, friends, community members, and that they might one day find themselves needing such a lifeline.

While President Trump does not appear to have made any official statements on the issue, he has downplayed brain injuries sustained by members of the military, calling them “headaches” that are “not very serious.” (Science.org). In 2016, he mocked National Football League concussion protocols, calling them “soft,” and calling players’ concussions “a little ding on the head.” (Science.org).

Dr. Owen Perlman—brain injury specialist and board member of the Brain Injury Association of America—explains why TBIs must be taken seriously. The harsh reality is that there is often “no endpoint” for people with moderate to severe brain injuries. (ESPN). It is well-accepted that even a single concussion can result in chronic post-concussion syndrome and long-lasting cognitive impairments for at least 15% of victims, revealing that a ‘mild’ traumatic brain injury is “anything but.” (McInnes, et al.). Recent studies suggest this percentage is likely much higher. Denying a problem exists is not a solution. “It’s a lifetime problem, and there needs to be lifetime funding for it.” (ESPN).

Adequate funding for brain injury treatment and prevention should not be a partisan issue. Brain injuries know no political party and can strike anyone at any time. Helping TBI victims lead the best, most productive lives possible is a matter of basic human decency. From an economic standpoint, slashing TBI funding is not only cruel, but penny-wise and pound-foolish since research is key to prevention. For these reasons, you might call these budget cuts brainless.