Billionaires are playing an expanded and visible role in higher education governance and philanthropy under the current administration, affecting presidential turnover, research priorities and funding flows. Reporting shows wealthy donors have helped oust presidents and influenced policy arguments inside and outside campuses. At the same time, large unrestricted gifts continue: MacKenzie Scott gave $17 million to Northern Oklahoma College, the school said, the largest single gift in the institution’s history. The juxtaposition—donor-driven governance pressure alongside record philanthropic awards—creates a complex environment for trustees, provosts and general counsel balancing institutional autonomy, donor relations and mission. Institutions should tighten gift agreements, clarify governance boundaries, and prepare communications strategies for politically sensitive donations.