Former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines criticized the co-hosts of “The View” for defending Delaware Rep.-elect Sarah McBride over a resolution banning transgender women from using women’s restrooms at the U.S. Capitol. Gaines, a 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer, has spoken out against trans inclusion in women’s sports and protecting women’s spaces. She called the hosts “deranged” and “out of touch” for speaking on an issue that doesn’t affect them directly, questioning if they would want McBride changing near their daughters.
Gaines competed against Lia Thomas, a transgender athlete, at the NCAA championships in 2022. Gaines mentioned the NCAA awarding Thomas the fifth-place trophy despite tying with Gaines in the women’s 200 freestyle. Thomas later went on to win a national title in the women’s 500 freestyle. In response to a segment on “The View” discussing Rep. Nancy Mace’s resolution to ban transgender women from using women’s restrooms at the U.S. Capitol, Gaines expressed her disagreement with the hosts’ views on the matter.
During the episode of “The View,” host Whoopi Goldberg criticized Mace’s resolution, calling it disrespectful and a hostile gesture towards McBride, the first openly transgender federal lawmaker. Host Sara Haines praised McBride as a decent and amazing politician, emphasizing her focus on issues and not making her identity solely about being a transgender individual. Alyssa Farah Griffin joined in, calling Mace’s attempt to ban McBride “gross” and unfair.
Gaines expressed her willingness to join “The View” for a conversation following her disagreement with the hosts’ discussion on transgender athletes competing in public schools. Fox News’ Liz Elkind contributed to the report, and viewers were encouraged to follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Gaines’s criticism of “The View” hosts reflects her beliefs on protecting women’s spaces and her advocacy against trans inclusion in women’s sports, particularly in light of her experiences competing against transgender athletes like Lia Thomas.
