Chaos Unfolds at DOGE Hearing on Trans Athletes with Stephanie Turner and Payton McNabb

On Wednesday, female athletes Stephanie Turner and Payton McNabb testified before the Congressional Department of Government Efficiency subcommittee during a hearing entitled “Unfair Play: Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” The event quickly devolved into chaos, showcasing the deep divisions surrounding the inclusion of trans athletes in women’s sports.

During the hearing, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat from Texas, approached both Turner and McNabb. She commended their bravery, saying, “You’re both very courageous. You’re very courageous being here, and I want to say thank you for all of this,” as reported by Turner to Fox News Digital. However, Turner expressed frustration, stating, “I find it very disrespectful that you would co-opt this hearing that is about me and Payton and make it about your own politics.”

Diverting the Dialogue

Rep. Crockett used her platform during the hearing to shift focus away from the main issue of protecting women’s sports. Instead, she aimed criticism at former President Donald Trump, making light of serious discussions concerning trans athlete policies. At one point, she introduced a game called “Trump or Trans,” asking witnesses whether various problems, such as inflation, stemmed from Trump or trans individuals. Remarkably, the witness attributed responsibility to Trump every time.

Crockett has consistently opposed Republican initiatives to limit trans athletes’ participation in women’s sports. However, her attempt to engage respectfully with McNabb and Turner was met with skepticism. McNabb expressed her disbelief, stating, “I did not believe one word she said,” and criticized Crockett’s behavior as entirely performative.

A Fractured Hearing

The atmosphere in the hearing room was tense, marked by shouting matches and glaring discrepancies in statements from committee members. McNabb and Turner felt confused and offended by several comments made during the proceedings. McNabb recounted a particularly traumatic experience when she suffered severe brain injuries after a collision with a trans athlete during a high school volleyball match.

In a distressing exchange, opposing witness Fatima Goss Graves, CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, suggested that to prevent future injuries, spiking in volleyball should be banned entirely. McNabb found this proposal absurd, asserting, “The fact of the matter is, that day and that injury was unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced,” attributing the incident directly to the male competitor.

Unwelcome Offers of Assistance

The hearing took an even more unexpected turn when Goss Graves offered to assist McNabb in her recovery. The suggestion only added to McNabb’s frustration, who remarked, “That’s not happening. This woman is obviously not sane, and I don’t know why she would think I would ever want some medical advice or advice in general from her.”

Turner’s Wound of Political Exploitation

Turner, who previously faced backlash for refusing to compete against a trans opponent in a fencing match—a case that went viral—was also impacted by the discussions. She took issue with remarks made by Rep. Lateefah Simon, a California Democrat, who implied that protections for women’s sports could lead to racial segregation. Simon’s comments suggested that Black women would be disproportionately affected by laws aimed at restricting trans athletes.

Turner responded, “I find that, as a Black woman myself, to be quite offensive.” She stressed that her own experiences contradict Simon’s narrative. “I find it offensive because they lead with this statement ‘as a Black woman, I’m a Black woman.’ Well, I’m a Black woman…and no, I don’t agree with you. That’s wrong,” she insisted.

Confronting Leadership

This hearing marked a significant moment for Turner as she encountered Damien Lehfeldt, the chair of USA Fencing, who was subpoenaed to provide testimony. Their confrontation was particularly charged due to the penalties Turner faced, including a black card for her refusal to compete. Republican members used the opportunity to confront Lehfeldt over USA Fencing’s support of trans athletes and the disciplinary actions taken against Turner.

Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina, pressed Lehfeldt to offer an apology to Turner. His refusal prompted Mace to remark, “Real men protect women, you’re not one,” highlighting the intensity of the situation.

Turner claimed she was not surprised by Lehfeldt’s behavior and indicated that an apology would hold little value. She stated, “An apology is just empty words without actions,” demonstrating her commitment to substantive change.

Next Steps for Women’s Sports

Following the hearing, Turner expressed her determination to advocate for meaningful reforms in USA Fencing’s gender eligibility policies, stressing the need for protections for women competitors. Currently, the organization is reportedly preparing to amend its policies regarding trans athletes, but only if compelled to do so.

Additionally, Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced plans for a Title IX investigations team to investigate the incident involving Turner and the trans competitor, Redmond Sullivan. This evolving situation mirrors the broader national debate about the inclusion of trans athletes in girls’ and women’s sports.

As these hearings unfold and national conversations ignite, the battles between protecting women’s sports and advocating for trans rights continue to escalate. The voices of athletes like Turner and McNabb remain vital in this ongoing issue, emphasizing the need for meaningful dialogue and policy change that ensures the safety and fairness of women in competitive sports.