Riley Gaines sends warning to Democrats, NCAA during national battle over trans athletes in women’s sports

Riley Gaines Calls Out States Defying Trump’s Order on Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports

Former NCAA swimmer and OutKick host Riley Gaines made headlines this week as she delivered a strong message to states defying President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at keeping transgender athletes out of women’s and girls’ sports. Speaking on Fox News’ "The Story With Martha MacCallum," Gaines expressed her support for U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has warned non-compliant states that they could face the loss of federal funding if they continue to allow transgender athletes to compete in female categories. Gaines emphasized that federal laws, such as Title IX, supersede state laws, making it clear that the fight against what she termed the "woke" agenda is far from over, even with Trump back in office.

The Constitutional Debate and the Role of Federal Funding

Gaines highlighted the constitutional implications of the issue, noting that Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs, must take precedence over state laws. She praised Attorney General Pam Bondi for her firm stance in threatening to withhold federal funds from states like California, Maine, and Minnesota, which have openly defied Trump’s executive order. Bondi’s warning came amid growing tensions, particularly in Maine, where a heated exchange between Governor Janet Mills and Trump has brought the issue to the forefront. Maine has become a battleground state in this debate, with Republican state legislator Rep. Laurel Libby drawing attention for her outspoken criticism of transgender athletes competing in girls’ sports.

Maine’s Role in the National Debate and the Censure of Rep. Laurel Libby

In Maine, the debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports has reached a fever pitch. Governor Janet Mills has been a vocal opponent of Trump’s executive order, while Rep. Laurel Libby, a Republican state legislator, has faced backlash for her stance on the issue. Libby was censured by the Maine Legislature for a social media post that criticized a transgender high school athlete who won a girls’ pole vault competition. Gaines came to Libby’s defense, commending her for standing up for women’s rights and condemning Mills for her willingness to sacrifice federal funding to support what Gaines described as "boys trampling on girls." Gaines also expressed outrage over the censure of Libby, stating, "This didn’t happen in Afghanistan. This happened in America."

The NCAA’s Controversial Policy Revision

In addition to state-level defiance, the NCAA has faced criticism for its recent revision to its gender eligibility policy, which was intended to comply with Trump’s executive order. Critics, including Gaines, argue that the NCAA’s new policy does not address the issue of amended birth certificates, which can be changed in 44 states across the U.S. This oversight has led many to question whether the NCAA’s policy goes far enough in protecting women’s sports. Gaines, who serves as a brand ambassador for XX-XY Athletics, partnered with the company to release a video advertisement targeting NCAA President Charlie Baker. The ad features college women’s athletes speaking out against the NCAA’s policy, arguing that it fails to align with Trump’s executive order.

Riley Gaines’ Advocacy and the Road Ahead

Gaines’ advocacy on this issue is far from over. She plans to travel to Minnesota next week to support a state bill that would ban transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports. Her efforts are part of a broader movement to ensure that women’s sports remain fair and competitive, and her message is resonating with many who share her concerns. As the debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports continues to divide the nation, Gaines remains a vocal and influential figure in the fight to preserve the integrity of women’s athletics.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Battle for Fairness in Women’s Sports

The issue of transgender athletes in women’s sports has sparked intense debate across the country, with states, athletes, and organizations like the NCAA being drawn into the fray. Riley Gaines’ vocal advocacy and the threats of federal funding cuts from Attorney General Pam Bondi have brought new urgency to the discussion. As states like Maine, California, and Minnesota continue to defy Trump’s executive order, the battle over fairness in women’s sports shows no signs of abating. With figures like Gaines and organizations like XX-XY Athletics leading the charge, the fight to ensure that women’s sports remain a level playing field for female athletes is likely to remain a contentious issue for the foreseeable future.