Riley Gaines calls Summer Lee ‘misogynist’ after Dem says her remarks are ‘transphobic’

Former collegiate swimmer-turned-activist Riley Gaines accused Rep. Summer Lee of being a “misogynist” after the Pennsylvania Democrat derided the NCAA All-American’s testimony as “transphobic” and asked that it be stricken from the record during a fiery congressional hearing Tuesday. 

Lee, a member of the so-called “Squad” of far-left lawmakers, accused Gaines and other witnesses on the panel of being “transphobic” in her opening remarks while arguing in support of the Biden administration’s proposed rule changes to Title IX that would outlaw banning transgender students from participating on teams consistent with their gender identity.

“It’s disappointing to me that although the title of this hearing implies a much-needed discussion we’re likely going to be forced to listen to transphobic bigotry,” the first-year House lawmaker said during the House Oversight Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services hearing. “Because actually protecting female athletes and Title IX is important. Participating in sports provides so many benefits to our young people.

“Madam Chair, I ask that while we sit through this hearing and the hateful misinformation I’m sure is coming our way, let us not forget the children at the core of this issue,” Lee added. 

Gaines, who competed against transgender swimmer Lia Thomas and has since become an outspoken proponent of reserving women’s sports for biological females, took issue with Lee’s characterization of her testimony. 

“Of course, there is a place for everyone, regardless of gender identity, regardless of sexual orientation, regardless of race or what sports you play. There’s a place for everyone to play sports in this country,” Gaines said.

“But unsafe, unfair and discriminatory practices towards women must stop. Inclusion cannot be prioritized over safety and fairness, and ranking member Lee, if my testimony makes me transphobic then I believe your opening monologue makes you a misogynist.”

Just seconds into the next witness’s testimony, Lee interrupted, demanding that Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) strike Gaines’ remark from the record. 

After a brief discussion, Lee’s point of order was withdrawn and the hearing resumed. 

The congresswoman took to X after the hearing to slam the GOP-organized forum. 

“I would’ve hoped that the 1st [oversight] hearing I presided over would be on holding big oil, big pharma or banks accountable for preying on hardworking families,” Lee tweeted. “Instead, it’s yet another extremist Republican hearing attacking trans kids. What a cruel, unserious party.” 

Gaines, who further argued that allowing biological male athletes to take spots on women’s teams is “sex-based discrimination” and “violates Title IX, regardless of what the new regulations might say,” earned praise for her testimony from conservatives, including Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

“The Biden administration’s Title IX rewrite is a direct attack on women’s rights. [Gaines] has more courage than many of our elected officials, who let men compete in women’s sports and invade female-only spaces instead of standing up to pressure from left-wing activists,” the 2024 White House hopeful said in an X post. 

Gaines endorsed DeSantis’ presidential bid in June.