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Trump Faces Backlash for Mocking Transgender Athlete at GOP Event

1/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump faced backlash at a House GOP event for mocking a transgender athlete, performing weightlifter impressions.
He depicted a woman struggling with weights and then contrasted it with a capable male lifter.
Riley Gaines, a former swimmer opposing transgender athletes in women's sports, shared the clip and said she has no regrets about backing Trump.
GLAAD reports a 14% increase in incidents targeting the transgender community.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump faced backlash at a House GOP event for mocking a transgender athlete, performing weightlifter impressions.
He depicted a woman struggling with weights and then contrasted it with a capable male lifter.
Riley Gaines, a former swimmer opposing transgender athletes in women's sports, shared the clip and said she has no regrets about backing Trump.
GLAAD reports a 14% increase in incidents targeting the transgender community.