Internet praises Riley Gaines as she fires back at 'Squad' Dem for calling her testimony ‘transphobic’

WASHINGTON, DC: Former collegiate swimmer-turned-activist Riley Gaines received internet support as she accused Rep Summer Lee of being a “misogynist.”

Gaines took a dig at Lee after she called her testimony "transphobic" during a heated exchange at a congressional hearing on Tuesday, December 5.

The 36-year-old Pennsylvania Democrat made the accusations while advocating in favor of the Biden administration's proposed rule changes to Title IX that would forbid 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,” Lee stated at 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,” Lee said. 

“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,” she added, according to the NY Post.

How Riley Gaines reacted to Summer Lee’s remarks

Gaines, who has been a vocal supporter of keeping women's sports exclusive to biological females, objected to Lee's portrayal 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,” she added.

Following Gaines’ testimony, Lee chimed in again, demanding that Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich) strike Gaines’ remark from the record.

Lee's point of order was retracted and the hearing went back on after a brief exchange of views.

Internet reacts to Riley Gaines’ remarks

After Gaine’s testimony surfaced on social media, several users praised her remark, hailing her as "iconic."

“This remark will go down as one of the best statements on this issue,” one user said.

“Politicians like Summer Lee is why you should fight fire with fire,” the second user wrote.

“Riley is a rockstar,” the third user praised.

“This shouldn’t surprise anybody. Summer Lee is a diversity hire who doesn’t know what the hell she’s doing. She’s just up there trying to look important. This is what happens when you promote and/or elect people because of equity,” the fourth user stated.

“Excellent remark by Riley. These Liberals should be fought with the same level of fire. Let the Liberals be cooked on their own oil,” the fifth user fumed.

“Look at these unelected staffers consulting on the rules and procedures. Puppet government. Lee is a lawyer, but is perfectly comfortable throwing woke spaghetti at the wall and hoping it sticks,” another one said.