Riley Gaines Commends Funding Pause to UPenn Over Transgender Athlete Policy

Riley Gaines, a prominent voice in the debate surrounding transgender athletes, publicly praised the Trump administration Wednesday for its action against the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). The administration has paused $175 million in federal funding to the university, citing concerns over UPenn's policy allowing transgender women to compete in women's sports.

Gaines, who competed against transgender swimmer Lia Thomas during her time at the University of Kentucky, has been a strong advocate for maintaining separate sports categories based on biological sex. She argues that allowing transgender women to compete in women's sports creates an unfair advantage and undermines the integrity of women's athletics.

"This is a significant step towards ensuring fairness and equal opportunity in women's sports," Gaines stated in a press release. "The administration's decision sends a clear message that Title IX protections must be upheld and that biological differences matter in athletic competition."

The Department of Education is currently reviewing UPenn's compliance with Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities receiving federal funding. The pause in funding will remain in effect until the review is complete and the university demonstrates compliance with Title IX regulations. UPenn has not yet released an official statement in response to the funding pause.