Trump Urges Passage of Protect College Sports Act Amid Legislative Challenges

President Donald Trump has called on lawmakers to pass the Protect College Sports Act, emphasizing the urgency as a congressional recess approaches. At a White House event with over 120 athletes, coaches, and staff from Team USA celebrating their achievements at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, Trump highlighted the importance of the collegiate athletic system. He noted its significant contribution to American Olympic success, with 88% of Team USA’s representatives stemming from this system. Trump expressed his willingness to immediately sign the bill into law.

During the event, Trump hosted Team USA to honor their accomplishments at the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, held in the East Room of the White House. American athletes earned a total of 57 medals, including 25 gold. Trump urged bipartisan cooperation in Congress to bring the bill to his desk, stating, “We have to get that done. If we don’t, we’re very foolish.” He reiterated his administration’s commitment to preserving “sporting traditions” in the United States.

The Protect College Sports Act seeks to provide the NCAA with greater antitrust legal protections and establish a consistent framework for issues like Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation and the transfer portal. However, the bill has faced challenges in the Senate. Recently, three Republican senators—Josh Hawley of Missouri, Jim Banks of Indiana, and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama—proposed an amendment to prevent the bill from overriding state laws that prohibit biological men from competing in women’s sports.

This amendment aims to uphold state laws that restrict such participation, which some senators believe the current wording of the bill would affect. Hawley expressed concern about this issue on social media, emphasizing the potential impact on Missouri’s laws.

While the amendment’s future remains uncertain, Trump continues to push for the bill’s passage to ensure stability and fairness in college sports. The Trump administration has issued a statement supporting the act, highlighting the need for legislative action to address legal and financial uncertainties threatening college sports’ future. The administration’s policy statement underlines the importance of protecting student-athletes and maintaining collegiate athletic opportunities.

As Congress heads for a five-week recess, the Senate faces a substantial agenda, with the Protect College Sports Act among the priorities. Trump’s recent remarks signal his desire to see swift legislative action, hoping the bill reaches the House and eventually his desk for signing.