President Donald Trump renewed his call for Congress to pass the Protect College Sports Act before the upcoming recess, emphasizing the urgency of the legislation. Speaking at a White House reception on Thursday, August 6th, 2026, honoring more than 120 athletes, coaches, staff, and representatives from Team USA for their achievements at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, Trump highlighted the importance of college athletics to American Olympic success.

Trump stated, "the collegiate athletic system is the engine of American Olympic dominance," noting it produced 88% of the Team USA representatives at the Games. He urged both the House and Senate to pass the bill, promising to sign it immediately at his desk. "I’m urging the House and the Senate to come together, bipartisan if possible and it looks like they have done, to send the bill to my desk and I will sign it. I think we have no choice," Trump said.

The Protect College Sports Act is a bipartisan bill supported by NCAA officials that aims to provide the collegiate governing body with enhanced antitrust legal protections and establish a uniform framework for college athletics, including Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) compensation and transfer portal regulations.

Trump also remarked on efforts to safeguard women's sports and college sports traditions, saying, "Already we’ve done a lot to save women’s sports, and we’re also saving college sports. We’re in the process of working very hard, doing everything we can to protect the cherished sporting traditions that have long been a part of our nation."

At the reception, Trump celebrated Team USA's medal haul at the Winter Games, where American athletes earned 57 total medals, including 25 gold. Whether the Senate will act on the Protect College Sports Act remains uncertain, but Trump expressed hope the bill will soon reach his desk.

Sources