White House Backs American Franchise Act Push for 2026

The Trump White House has thrown its support behind a push to pass the American Franchise Act in 2026, according to a report by L'Express Franchise.

The endorsement marks a significant political boost for the legislation, which has been championed by franchisee advocates seeking stronger protections in their relationships with franchisors. White House backing substantially improves the bill's odds of advancing through Congress in the 2026 legislative session.

The American Franchise Act targets the power imbalance that franchise owners say has tilted sharply toward corporate franchisors in recent decades. Proponents argue that franchisees — who invest their own capital to operate branded locations — need statutory safeguards against contract terms and terminations that can wipe out their businesses.

The White House's decision to back the measure aligns with the administration's broader posture toward small business owners, a constituency that has featured prominently in its economic messaging. Franchising represents a substantial share of American small business, spanning restaurants, retail, and service sectors.

Supporters of the bill had been working to build bipartisan coalitions, framing the issue as one of fair dealing rather than partisan politics. The administration's endorsement gives the effort new institutional weight as lawmakers prepare to take up the measure.

The 2026 timeline gives advocates a concrete legislative window. Whether the backing translates into floor time and votes in Congress will determine the outcome, but the White House's position removes a major obstacle that has stalled previous franchise-reform efforts.