President Donald Trump has once again urged Congress to pass the Protect College Sports Act, emphasizing the urgency as the congressional recess approaches.

On Thursday night, Trump hosted more than 120 athletes, coaches, staff, and representatives from Team USA at the White House to celebrate their achievements at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. During the event, held in the East Room of the White House, Trump highlighted that the collegiate athletic system is "the engine of American Olympic dominance," noting it produced 88% of Team USA representatives in those Games.

Trump called on both the House and Senate to come together, ideally in a bipartisan manner, to pass the bill, which he pledged to sign immediately upon receipt. "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," he said.

The Protect College Sports Act aims to provide the NCAA with greater 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 details on potential amendments remain unclear and could influence Republican support, Trump expressed hope that the bill will reach his desk soon to protect college sports now and in the future.

American athletes earned a total of 57 medals, including 25 gold, at this year's Winter Games. Whether the Senate will act on the Protect College Sports Act remains uncertain, but Trump’s remarks signal a push for swift legislative action.

Sources