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 during a White House celebration honoring Team USA's achievements at the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

On Thursday night, Trump hosted more than 120 athletes, coaches, staff, and representatives from Team USA in the East Room of the White House to recognize their success at the Milano Cortina Games, where American athletes earned a total of 57 medals, including 25 gold.

Highlighting the importance of collegiate athletics, Trump stated that "the collegiate athletic system is the engine of American Olympic dominance," noting that it produced 88% of the Team USA representatives at these Games alone. He urged both the House and Senate to pass the Protect College Sports Act, promising to sign it immediately upon receipt.

"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. He added, "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."

The bipartisan Protect College Sports Act aims to provide the NCAA with greater antitrust legal protections and establish a uniform framework for college athletics concerning Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation, the transfer portal, and other issues. NCAA officials have been lobbying for the bill's passage.

While an amendment that could influence Republican support has yet to be announced, Trump expressed hope that the bill would reach the Oval Office soon to safeguard college sports now and in the future.

Whether the Senate will act remains uncertain, but Trump’s remarks signal a strong push for swift congressional approval.

Sources