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 night, August 6th, 2026, honoring more than 120 athletes, coaches, staff, and representatives from Team USA who competed at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, Trump highlighted the critical role of collegiate athletics in American Olympic success.

Trump stated, "the collegiate athletic system is the engine of American Olympic dominance," noting it produced 88% of Team USA representatives at the Games. He urged the House and Senate to come together, preferably in a bipartisan manner, to pass the bill and send it to his desk, where he pledged to sign it immediately.

"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 greater antitrust legal protections and establish a uniform framework for college athletics, including Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) compensation and transfer portal regulations. While an amendment that could influence Republican support has yet to be announced, Trump expressed hope the bill would reach the Oval Office soon to safeguard college sports' future.

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 57 total medals, including 25 gold.

Whether the Senate will approve the bill remains uncertain, but Trump's remarks underscored his commitment to advancing the legislation promptly.

Sources