Nearly all senior higher‑education leaders report that federal policymaking has injected uncertainty into institutional planning, according to an American Council on Education pulse survey. Presidents and provosts cited threats to institutional autonomy, research funding volatility, visa and immigration changes, and student‑aid policy shifts as major drivers of planning disruption. Survey respondents said the policy environment has forced budget adjustments, hiring freezes, and changes to recruitment and international engagement strategies. With Congress signaling resistance to several administration proposals while other executive actions proceed, campus leaders face a complex compliance and financial landscape. The ACE findings suggest institutions should prioritize flexible financial modeling, scenario planning for research funding, and legal capacity to respond to enforcement actions.