Pablo Torre Finds Out All-American Grift: We Investigated Trump's Favorite Sports Troll
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Nov 20, 2025 Madison Pauly, an investigative reporter at Mother Jones, dives deep into the controversial figure of Riley Gaines. She explores Gaines’s rise as a conservative icon post-college swimming tie and the political machine behind her. Discussions highlight the toxic culture within the Kentucky swim program and media's role in shaping narratives. Pauly reveals financial ties and motivations, with Gaines's story influencing state policies on trans athletes. They dissect legal challenges, including a Title IX lawsuit, and the impact on trans rights moving forward.
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From Fifth Place To Political Star
- Riley Gaines rose from a fifth-place NCAA finish to a national conservative celebrity after the 2022 championships.
- She appeared with Donald Trump and became a recurring spokesperson on Fox News and at political events.
One Story, Nationwide Policy Impact
- The anti-trans sports campaign translated a single race into nationwide policy changes and 29 state bans.
- Political operatives and parties used Riley Gaines's story to shift public opinion and win elections.
Dark Team Culture Under Coach Lars
- Former teammates described a University of Kentucky swim culture of punishments, extreme weight pressure, and mental-health struggles under Coach Lars.
- The NCAA suspended Lars for practice-hour violations amid reports of forced practices and disordered-eating pressures.
