At a White House reception for 2026 Olympians, President Trump said "a bad judge declared sports unconstitutional" while pressing for legislation to protect women's and college athletics. Senators Hawley, Banks and Tuberville proposed an amendment to the Protect College Sports Act to preserve state bans on transgender women competing in women's college sports. It remains unclear which specific ruling Trump referenced; the Supreme Court earlier declined to block bans in West Virginia and Idaho, a decision he celebrated on Truth Social.
Trump Says 'A Bad Judge Declared Sports Unconstitutional' — Pushes Bill To 'Bring Sports Back'
Trump Claims, ‘A Bad Judge Declared Sports Unconstitutional’
President Donald Trump told Olympians at a White House reception that "a bad judge declared sports unconstitutional," a striking remark made as he criticized transgender participation in athletics and pledged new legislation to protect women's and college sports.
Event And Remarks
The event honored Team USA athletes who competed at the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games in Milano Cortina, Italy. In a speech that mixed celebration with policy rhetoric, Trump said his administration and allies are working to defend what he called "cherished sporting traditions."
"We're doing everything we can to protect the cherished sporting traditions that have long been part of our nation from the beginning," Trump said. "We had a bad judge's decision, and, uh, a judge that knew nothing about sports declared sports unconstitutional. Can you believe it?"
He added that lawmakers and advocates "came together" to draft a bill he hopes will "bring sports back," saying the measure would preserve protections for women's and collegiate athletics.
Legislative Response
On the same day, Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO), Jim Banks (R-IN) and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) unveiled an amendment to the not-yet-enacted Protect College Sports Act. Their amendment is designed to preserve state laws that restrict transgender women from competing in women's college athletics. Supporters say the amendment defends state-level rules; critics argue the underlying bill and federal action could preempt state policies or complicate uniform standards.
Legal Context
It is not entirely clear which court decision Trump was referencing. In June, the Supreme Court declined to block state bans on transgender athletes competing in girls' sports in West Virginia and Idaho — a development Trump celebrated on Truth Social, writing: "BIG WIN: The United States Supreme Court just RULED AGAINST MEN PLAYING IN WOMEN'S SPORTS ... Wow! That takes that ridiculous situation off the table!!!"
Legal experts and advocates have noted that disputes over transgender participation in sports are being decided in a variety of federal and state courts, and rulings can differ depending on the specific legal claims and statutes at issue.
What’s Next
Congressional debate over the Protect College Sports Act and any amendments could determine whether federal standards are set for college athletics or whether states retain autonomy to enforce bans and eligibility rules. The issue is likely to remain politically charged and legally contested as bills and lawsuits proceed.
Reporting note: The president's comments were made publicly at the White House and reflected his interpretation of recent court decisions and pending legislation; some specifics about the ruling he referenced were not clarified at the event.
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