Trump says 'bad judge' declared sports 'unconstitutional' during White House Olympians event

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump sparked attention on Thursday while hosting Team USA athletes from the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics at the White House.

During his remarks honoring the Olympians, Trump shifted focus to his administration’s efforts involving transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, claiming, "a bad judge declared sports unconstitutional."

Trump says judge's decision threatened sports policy

“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.

“Already, we’ve done a lot to help save women’s sports, and we’re also saving college sports. We’re in the process of working very hard.”

“We had a bad judge’s decision, and, uh, a judge that knew nothing about sports declared sports unconstitutional. Can you believe it?”

Trump said officials were working on new legislation in response to the ruling he referenced, adding, "We have a bill, uh, right now that we're trying to get passed, and if it does, we'll be bringing sports back."

“We had to come and put something together,” the president continued. “We had the help of so many great people. They all came together.”

Trump does not identify court ruling behind claim

The president did not specify which court decision he was referring to during his remarks.

Trump made the comments on the same day Senators Josh Hawley, Jim Banks, and Tommy Tuberville introduced an amendment to the Protect College Sports Act, which has not yet passed.

The lawmakers are seeking to preserve state laws that prevent transgender women from competing in women’s college sports.

Trump renews focus on women's sports during White House event

In June, after the Supreme Court upheld restrictions on transgender athletes competing in girls’ sports in West Virginia and Idaho, Trump celebrated the decision on Truth Social.

“BIG WIN: The United States Supreme Court just RULED AGAINST MEN PLAYING IN WOMEN’S SPORTS,” Trump said.

“Wow! That takes that ridiculous situation off the table!!!”

Trump has repeatedly highlighted the issue of transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, and the topic became part of his remarks during Thursday’s Team USA celebration.

While the event was held to recognize athletes’ achievements at the Milano Cortina Games, Trump connected their success with his broader sports policy efforts.

He also pointed to Senate legislation that he said would support his goal of protecting women’s sports.

He also referenced an unnamed judge’s ruling that he said affected fair competition. The White House has not identified the case or decision Trump was discussing.