Following President Trump’s decision to pause federal loans and grants for a spending review, Houston officials are evaluating the potential impact on the city. Mayor Whitmire has instructed his team to analyze the executive orders and ensure continued collaboration at all levels of government.

Houston authorities are evaluating possible effects on city programs and services in response to President Donald Trump's halt on federal grants and loans for a spending review. Announced by the Office of Budget Management as part of the administration's more extensive assessment of government spending, the temporary freeze is slated to take effect at 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
Mayor John Whitmire has instructed municipal staff to review the several executive orders released by the Trump administration closely to ascertain how Houston might be impacted. On Tuesday, Chief of Communications Mary Benton issued a statement stressing the mayor's dedication to cooperative efforts with federal, state, and local partners.
"Mayor Whitmire knows of the stop in federal grants declared by the Office of Budget Management," Benton said. "He has instructed team members to go over the several Trump Administration executive actions to ascertain the effect they will have on the City of Houston. Mayor Whitmire values cooperation and will keep working with our federal, state, and local partners in Houstonians' best interests.
Although the specifics of the funding freeze are still under review, Houston officials are more concerned with ensuring vital city services run nonstop. The stop in federal grants and loans might profoundly affect local infrastructure projects, public safety financing, and social programs that depend on federal support.
Local governments nationwide, including Houston, are closely watching developments as the Trump administration works through its study to decide what to do next.
.jpg)
Houston closes out 2025 with chilly but calm weather for New Year’s Eve celebrations, followed by a quick warmup on New Year’s Day and springlike temperatures later in the week.
.jpg)
Houston recorded more ICE arrests than any other U.S. city this year, according to newly released federal data analyzed by the New York Times. The figures highlight the impact of President Donald Trump’s renewed immigration crackdown and a sharp shift in who is being detained and deported.
.jpg)
Newly unsealed divorce records show Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and his estranged wife, Angela, locked in a contentious split, with Angela blaming Paxton for the breakdown of their marriage and seeking a disproportionate share of assets as the attorney general denies wrongdoing amid a high-profile U.S. Senate primary.