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 event on Thursday, 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 importance of college athletics to American Olympic success.

Trump stated, "the collegiate athletic system is the engine of American Olympic dominance," noting that 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 and send it to his desk, where he promised 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 is a bipartisan bill supported by NCAA officials that aims to provide the collegiate governing body with greater antitrust legal protections. It also seeks to establish a uniform framework for college athletics regarding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation, the transfer portal, and other key issues.

Trump also mentioned ongoing efforts to protect women's sports and preserve cherished sporting traditions in the United States. While an amendment to the bill has yet to be announced and could influence Republican support, Trump expressed hope that the bill would reach the Oval Office soon.

The event took place in the East Room of the White House, where Trump celebrated Team USA's achievements, including earning 57 total medals with 25 gold medals at the Winter Games.

Whether the Senate will act on the Protect College Sports Act remains uncertain, but Trump’s remarks signal strong executive support for the legislation.

Sources