A federal appeals court vacated a preliminary injunction blocking two Trump executive orders that curb diversity, equity and inclusion practices, removing a legal barrier for federal agencies to press anti‑DEI directives. The 4th Circuit’s decision could open the door for renewed federal enforcement actions and grant‑making conditions that affect university programs and research funding. Separately, the Department of Defense announced it will cut graduate‑level military fellowships and training at Harvard beginning in 2026–27 and will review similar programs at Ivy and other civilian universities. The DoD move signals pitched scrutiny of university curricula and the federal government’s willingness to withdraw partnership opportunities—an escalation that will force institutions to reassess federal program dependencies and compliance posture.