The Council of Board Professionals warned trustees that federal policy is entering a high‑pressure phase driven by administration initiatives and regulatory experiments. The brief describes the administration’s “Compact” push—tuition freezes, caps on international enrollments and limits on inclusive‑excellence practices—and urges boards to audit institutional exposure and strengthen advocacy channels. AGB recommends equipping trustees as strategic advocates and preparing for possible “Compact 2.0” provisions that could surface in settlements or executive actions. For governing boards, the immediate task is operational: review tuition authority, compliance obligations, and how federal conditions might intersect with state governance or institutional foundations.