As the national conversation surrounding the inclusion of transgender individuals in girls’ and women’s sports intensifies, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has remained notably silent on the matter. Conservative influencer Riley Gaines has now invited the congresswoman to consider a different perspective. “I firmly believe that AOC, with her platform and influence, has the potential to sway Democratic members to reconsider their stance and return to a more rational approach. Every member of Congress has a responsibility in this regard,” Gaines stated in an exclusive interview.
Gaines suggested that if Ocasio-Cortez were to publicly oppose trans inclusion in girls’ and women’s sports, it might come off as “performative,” yet it could still enhance her political standing. “While I may not agree with AOC on many other issues, I would certainly commend her or any Democrat for speaking out against trans inclusion,” Gaines remarked. “I don’t think AOC is out of the running for the 2028 presidential election, and if that’s the case, she would likely want to distance herself from the issue of trans inclusion in women’s sports.”
Ocasio-Cortez last addressed this topic directly during the House of Representatives’ vote on the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act on January 14, where she delivered a passionate and controversial speech claiming the bill would empower child sexual predators and asserting that “trans girls are girls.” This speech drew significant backlash, including from some Democrats, leading to reports of individuals unregistering from the party in response.
Since then, President Donald Trump has issued an executive order prohibiting trans inclusion in women’s and girls’ sports nationwide, prompting the NCAA to adjust its gender eligibility criteria accordingly. In contrast, several Democratic states have openly defied Trump’s order, resulting in federal investigations and potential funding cuts.
The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act is set for a vote in the Senate on Monday. Despite her previous advocacy for trans inclusion, Ocasio-Cortez has not publicly commented on the issue since the executive order was issued. She did, however, reference a recent exchange between Trump and Maine Governor Janet Mills on the topic in a Bluesky post, stating, “that’s how it’s done,” without providing further details on her stance regarding Trump’s order or the broader issue of trans inclusion.
During a virtual town hall on February 21, Ocasio-Cortez did not address the topic, even after a question was submitted by Fox News Digital regarding the matter.