President Trump signs order on college sports and federal funding

President Trump signed an executive order aimed at tightening eligibility, transfer rules and cost controls in college sports and warned that schools that do not comply could lose federal grants; federal agencies were asked to review compliance and Congress was urged to act.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order intended to reshape college sports policy and included a warning about cutting federal grants to schools that do not comply. The order addresses eligibility limits, transfer rules and the rising financial costs in college athletics, and it was signed ahead of the women's Final Four. It asks the Education Department, the Federal Trade Commission and the attorney general's office to evaluate whether violations of rules should affect federal grants and contracts. Officials and legal observers said Congress was urged to act quickly and that litigation is likely. Key points: - The executive order targets eligibility, transfers and costs in college athletics and was signed on Friday. - It calls for clear eligibility limits, including a five-year participation window, and for limits on transfers. - The order directs the Education Department, FTC and the attorney general to review whether rule violations make universities ineligible for federal grants and contracts. - Trump urged Congress to pass legislation; legal experts and athletes are expected to challenge the order in court. - Some conference leaders and university officials responded publicly, and several universities have already adjusted policies amid financial pressure; the article notes larger schools such as Penn State and Florida State face large debts. Summary: The order aims to press colleges to change policies by tying compliance to federal funding, but how courts will rule and how agencies will act is undetermined at this time. Federal agencies were asked to review compliance and Congress was urged to act quickly, and legal challenges from athletes and others are expected.