Riley Gaines and Tomi Lahren share their thoughts on the left’s reaction to President-elect Trump’s victory and discuss the decline of identity politics, during their appearance on ‘Hannity.’
Former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines strongly criticized the co-hosts of “The View” on Wednesday, labeling them as “deranged” and “out of touch.” This came in response to their defense of Delaware Rep.-elect Sarah McBride regarding a resolution that seeks to prohibit transgender women from using women’s restrooms at the U.S. Capitol.
Gaines, a 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer, has been vocal about his opposition to trans inclusion in women’s and girls’ sports and has been an advocate for preserving women’s spaces. He recently took to social media, specifically X, to criticize the group for expressing their opinions on an issue that does not directly affect them.
Riley Gaines addressed a campaign rally for former President Trump at Desert Diamond Arena on August 23, 2024, in Glendale, Arizona. (Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)
In a post shared on X, the writer expressed her concerns about the women on The View, questioning whether they would feel at ease with Mr. McBride changing in a locker room near their own daughters.
“It never becomes important until it directly impacts your own life.” At the NCAA championships in 2022, Gaines found herself competing against Lia Thomas, a transgender athlete who had previously swum for UPenn.
Despite tying in the women’s 200 freestyle, Gaines noticed that the NCAA had chosen to present Thomas with the fifth-place trophy, which she believed was done for the sake of a photo opportunity.
Thomas achieved an impressive feat by securing a national title in the women’s 500 freestyle event.
In response to a resolution by Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., to prohibit transgender women from using women’s restrooms at the U.S. Capitol, Gaines addressed a segment of Tuesday’s episode of “The View.” This resolution was introduced in light of McBride, who is set to become the first openly transgender federal lawmaker in January.
Whoopi Goldberg expressed her confusion and disappointment at the lack of a warm welcome extended to Mace, stating, “I don’t understand how this is [Mace’s] welcome to someone who is coming to make a difference in the country.”
Rep.-elect Sarah McBride stood alongside her fellow congressional freshmen of the 119th Congress on the steps of the iconic U.S. Capitol on November 15, 2024. The group, captured in a photograph by Andrew Harnik, exudes a sense of unity and hope for the future. It is a powerful image that symbolizes the beginning of a new era in American politics.
“It’s not a warm welcome, it’s like flipping her the middle finger. Because she is the one person in the House that this will affect,” responded Sara Haines. She went on to say, “And this woman who came and joined us at our table is one of the most decent, incredible politicians I’ve ever encountered. Her messaging resonated with people from all walks of life.”
Alyssa Farah Griffin expressed her disgust towards the attempt to ban McBride, deeming it “gross.”
A recently elected member of Congress, who campaigned as a centrist Democrat, focused on practical issues that affect everyday people. During a discussion, she expressed that her purpose is to represent her constituents and make a difference in Delaware.
However, Nancy Mace, another Congresswoman, is attempting to provoke her into a conflict that she never intended to be a part of. Nancy Mace is trying to limit her identity to being a culture warrior, solely because she disagrees with how she chooses to live her life.
Rep. Nancy Mace made her way to a House Republican caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol on November 19, 2024. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
In a separate post on X Wednesday, Gaines expressed her willingness to engage in a conversation on “The View” after she disagreed with Goldberg’s statistics on trans athletes participating in public schools. She stated that she would be “happy” to join the discussion.