The federal Department of Education is poised for a significant overhaul, a move that could have deep and lasting impacts on education systems, including right here in Houston, Texas. According to recent reports, President Donald Trump is preparing to sign an executive order aimed at dramatically reducing the department’s size and scope.
The Wall Street Journal has described the plan as a move to “dismantle” the department, but any complete abolition would require congressional approval—an unlikely scenario, according to The Washington Post. Still, even the process of scaling down could reshape the way federal education policies influence local schools and districts in Houston.
The Washington Post revealed that a draft order has already directed the department to begin reducing its operations. Meanwhile, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an advisory group spearheaded by tech mogul Elon Musk, is reportedly playing a key role in identifying areas where spending cuts can be made. DOGE staff members have allegedly accessed internal systems within the Education Department, signaling the seriousness of the administration’s intentions.
One major concern for Houston educators and policymakers is the ripple effect such cuts could have on federal funding streams that benefit local schools, particularly those in underserved areas. Houston Independent School District (HISD), which relies heavily on federal grants for Title I schools, special education programs, and free meal services, could face budgetary challenges if funding is reduced or reallocated.
Trump’s effort to downsize the Department of Education aligns with a broader campaign promise to eliminate the agency entirely—an ambitious goal that faces significant political hurdles. In 2023, a House vote to abolish the department failed, and even with Republican control of Congress, any future attempt would require support from at least seven Senate Democrats. Republican Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan, chairman of the House Education Committee, recently acknowledged that while abolishing the department outright may not be feasible, efforts to “de-power” it could still be successful.
The executive order reportedly under development would involve spinning off various functions of the department that are not explicitly required by law. While the exact timing of the order remains uncertain, some officials within the Trump administration are pushing for Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon to be confirmed before any announcement is made. No confirmation hearing has been scheduled yet, but Reuters has suggested the order could be signed later this month.
The Associated Press has also reported that the Trump administration’s ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the federal government has already led to “dozens” of Education Department employees being placed on leave. This move raises questions about how local districts, including those in Houston, will navigate federal mandates on sensitive topics related to equity and inclusion.
For Houston’s education landscape, this proposed overhaul could reshape everything from funding to federal oversight. Many local educators and administrators are closely monitoring developments, as any significant changes at the federal level could alter the resources available for programs supporting Houston’s diverse student population. Should the Department of Education’s influence shrink, the burden of funding and policy decisions may increasingly fall on state and local entities—a challenge that Houston’s leaders will need to address to safeguard the city’s educational future.