Jon Fansmith, Mushtaq Gunja, and Sarah Spreitzer break down the early days of the Trump administration’s second term and its impact on higher education. With 28 executive orders already issued—many targeting DEI, immigration, and gender policies—the hosts analyze what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and what’s likely to face legal challenges. Key topics include new executive actions on immigration that could affect international and undocumented students, the administration’s sweeping approach to DEI restrictions, and the implications for federal grant programs. They also discuss how colleges and universities can respond strategically in an uncertain policy environment and what ACE is doing to advocate for higher education.

Tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation or podcast@acenet.edu.

Here are some of the links and references from this week’s show:

President Trump’s Executive Orders Impacting Higher Education

Issue Brief: Immigration-Related Campus Concerns
ACE | Jan. 16, 2025

Statement from a DHS Spokesperson on Directives Expanding Law Enforcement and Ending the Abuse of Humanitarian Parole
Department of Homeland Security | Jan. 21, 2025

White House Orders Government DEI Employees to Be Placed on Leave
CNN | Jan. 22, 2025

Trump Executive Order Says Federal Government Only Recognizes “Two Sexes”
CBS News | Jan. 21, 2025

President Biden Drops Unfinished Protections for Trans Athletes
ABC News | Dec. 21, 2024