President Donald Trump renewed his call for Congress to pass the Protect College Sports Act, emphasizing the urgency as the congressional recess approaches. Speaking at a White House event on Thursday, August 6th, 2026, honoring more than 120 athletes, coaches, and staff from Team USA who competed in the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, Trump highlighted the critical role of collegiate athletics in American Olympic success.

Trump stated that "the collegiate athletic system is the engine of American Olympic dominance," noting it produced 88% of the Team USA representatives at the recent Games. He urged both the House and Senate to come together, ideally in a bipartisan manner, to pass the bill, promising to sign it immediately once it reaches his desk.

"We have to get that done. If we don’t, we’re very foolish. Nobody knows what will happen. We’re in Never-Never Land. We’re not going to let that be happening. We’re not going to let that happen to these great people and others," Trump said.

The Protect College Sports Act aims to provide the NCAA with stronger antitrust legal protections and establish a uniform framework for college athletics, including regulations on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation and the transfer portal. While an amendment that could influence Republican support has yet to be announced, Trump expressed hope that the bill itself will soon reach the Oval Office.

At the event held in the East Room of the White House, Trump also celebrated Team USA's achievements at the Winter Games, where American athletes earned a total of 57 medals, including 25 gold.

Whether the Senate will act on the Protect College Sports Act remains uncertain, but Trump’s remarks signal a strong push for swift legislative action.

Sources