At a rally in Salem, Virginia, former President Donald Trump applauded the Roanoke College women’s swim team for standing up to the "transgender fanatics" and policies allowing transgender-identifying biological men to compete in women’s sports.

Trump addressed the situation that occurred last year when a trans-identified male requested to join the Roanoke College women’s swim team after previously competing as a man just one year prior. The swimmer ultimately stepped down following growing public scrutiny, but the incident led to some of the female swimmers to joining in a lawsuit against the NCAA seeking "damages for pain and suffering, mental and emotional distress" because the league allegedly allowing "naked men possessing full male genitalia to disrobe in front of non-consenting college women."

"The brave members of the swim team stood up to the transgender fanatics,” Trump declared to an energized crowd. The swimmers had joined the lawsuit in March with women's rights activist and speaker Riley Gaines. 

Several members of the swim team attended the rally, including team captain Lily Mullens, who took the stage to express her gratitude. “I would like to thank you President Trump for standing with women and protecting the rights of all of us,” Mullens said. 

Some of the swimmers who were plaintiffs in the March lawsuit were also up the stage with Trump, they included Mullens as well as Susanna Price, Carter Satterfield, Kate Pearson, Katie Blankinship, and Julianna Morrow.

Mullens emphasized the competitive imbalance that exists when biological men compete in women’s sports. “As female athletes especially, we know that men have an inherent advantage over women in sports, and due to current policies though, men are competing against women of all ages in all sports,” she stated, drawing boos from the crowd at the mention of these policies. Mullens also criticized President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for advocating policies she described as “anti-women.” 

Point blank, it’s unfair,” she added, before thanking Trump again for supporting women’s sports.  

“We are so lucky to have a leader like Donald Trump with common sense who knows what a strong woman is and will fight for generations of girls to come,” Mullens concluded, to cheers from the audience.

Trump expressed his appreciation for Mullens’ words and proceeded to introduce each swimmer present at the rally.

The issue of transgender athletes in women’s sports has become a significant topic in the 2024 election. Trump’s campaign has released several advertisements targeting Democratic leaders for supporting policies that permit biological males to compete in women’s sports. A Gallup poll conducted in June indicated that an overwhelming 69 percent of adults believe transgender-identifying athletes should only participate on teams that align with their biological sex.