The first National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI) meeting under the Trump administration surfaced partisan tension but stopped short of sweeping action. Panel members unanimously renewed recognition for several major accreditors while probing issues such as student access, program ROI and transparency. Coverage and investigations have highlighted behind‑the‑scenes advocacy for new, politically aligned accreditors and two universities volunteering to join a controversial new accreditor. The administration’s push to reshape accreditation remains active, but the advisory panel’s initial meeting produced more smoke than fire. Institutional leaders should expect continued federal scrutiny of accreditation standards, opportunities for alternative accreditors, and potential policy shifts that could alter institutional reporting, transferability and program approval pathways.