Riley Gaines Issues Stern Warning to NCAA and States Defying Federal Order on Transgender Athletes

Riley Gaines Issues Stern Warning to NCAA and States Defying Federal Order on Transgender Athletes

Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer and current host at OutKick, delivered a powerful message on Wednesday regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. Her remarks came in the wake of states resisting President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at excluding transgender athletes from women’s and girls’ sports.

Support for Federal Action

During a segment on Fox News’ “The Story With Martha McCallum,” Gaines praised U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. Bondi recently urged states that have not complied with the federal mandate, warning them about the potential loss of federal funding.

“The Constitution is unequivocal, asserting that federal laws, including Title IX, take precedence over state laws,” Gaines stated. She emphasized the importance of standing firm against the challenges facing female athletes in light of ongoing cultural battles. Despite Trump’s potential return to the White House, Gaines remarked, “The war on woke has not been settled yet.”

Impacts of Non-Compliance

Attorney General Bondi’s warning particularly targeted California, Maine, and Minnesota—states that have openly defied Trump’s executive order. She cautioned these states against allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls’ sports, indicating that they risk losing significant federal funding as a consequence.

The state of Maine has emerged as a focal point in this debate, where tensions flared between Governor Janet Mills and Trump. A Republican state legislator, Rep. Laurel Libby, faced censure recently for highlighting the situation on social media, wherein she called attention to a transgender athlete who won first place in a girls pole vault competition.

A Call for Support

Gaines voiced strong support for Rep. Libby while criticizing Governor Mills. “Mills seems prepared to forfeit over $5 billion in federal funds to send a message that boys can dominate girls in sports,” Gaines remarked. She expressed pride in Rep. Libby’s courage and lamented the loss of her ability to vote and speak in the House due to her advocacy for women.

“This is not an issue that occurred in far-off lands; this happened right here in America,” Gaines added, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

NCAA Faces Backlash

The NCAA has also come under fire for its recent adjustments to gender eligibility policies, which have drawn criticism for not aligning closely enough with Trump’s executive order. Many, including Gaines, pointed out that the NCAA’s policy fails to consider the existing laws in 44 states that permit gender changes on birth certificates.

The apparel brand XX-XY Athletics, for which Gaines serves as a brand ambassador, launched a video advertisement on Wednesday. This advertisement featured several collegiate women athletes voicing their objections to the NCAA’s policy, arguing that it failed to protect the integrity of women’s sports.

Advocating for Change

Gaines stated, “We have collaborated with XX-XY Athletics to directly address NCAA President Charlie Baker. The newly released policy follows Trump’s executive order but contradicts the well-articulated directives of that order.” This point underscores the growing demand for more stringent regulations to protect female athletes.

Looking ahead, Gaines plans to travel to Minnesota next week to advocate for state legislation aimed at prohibiting transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports. Her efforts reflect a broader movement by various athletes and lawmakers to reclaim fairness in athletics.

A Continuing Debate

The discussion surrounding transgender athletes in sports represents a significant and contentious issue in contemporary society. As states grapple with differing interpretations of federal directives, the implications for women’s sports remain profound.

The increasing visibility of this debate highlights both the challenges that female athletes face and the competing opinions on inclusion versus fairness.

Paving the Way for the Future

The ongoing battle over transgender participation in sports signals a need for further dialogue and potential policy reform. As Riley Gaines and her supporters continue to advocate for change, the future of women’s sports hangs in the balance.

As the public discourse evolves, it is imperative for lawmakers, organizations, and athletes to work collaboratively to ensure that all voices are heard while also safeguarding the rights of female competitors.