Riley Gaines Breaks Silence on NCAA Transgender Rules, Ignites Nationwide Debate

GOP filing shows five-figure fee for Riley Gaines Houston speech Former University of Kentucky swimmer–turned–women’s-sports activist Riley Gaines was paid $25,000 by the Harris County Republican Party for a keynote appearance at its 2025 Lincoln–Reagan Dinner, newly released Federal Election Commission documents confirm. The lucrative booking underscores the rapid growth of Gaines’ speaking career since she began campaigning against transgender inclusion in female athletics in 2022. Feuds with Simone Biles and ESPN’s Pablo Torre fuel online buzz The disclosure lands amid a highly publicized spat pitting Gaines against Olympic legend Simone Biles, who has publicly supported trans athletes. ESPN commentator Pablo Torre recently devoted a six-month podcast investigation to Gaines’ earnings, alleging she “made big money” from conservative appearances—claims Gaines dismissed on social media as “proof I have a job.” Texas embraces Gaines as conservative star Texas Republicans have become some of Gaines’ most enthusiastic backers. Alongside the Houston dinner, the 25-year-old joined Gov. Greg Abbott at Austin rallies supporting a bill that hard-codes binary definitions of “male” and “female” into state law. She has also partnered with youth-organizing giant Turning Point USA, touting an impending collaboration with the state of Tennessee during a University of Tennessee at Chattanooga event last week. National tour keeps controversy—and donations—alive • Maine: Gaines blasted Democratic Gov. Janet Mills while urging passage of the Protect Girls Sports referendum. • Nevada & Kentucky: Earlier filings show state GOP groups paid her nearly $17,000 combined for 2023 appearances. • Fox-owned OutKick: Gaines hosts a weekly podcast and is releasing a book in early 2026, moves that expand her brand beyond the podium. Why the $25K matters Political strategists say a recognizable messenger who can galvanize small-dollar donors is worth every penny at marquee dinners. Gaines’ 2 million-plus social followers drive real-time fundraising spikes when she live-streams events, creating a virtuous cycle: bigger online audience → higher speaking fee → more fundraising buzz. What’s next Gaines is scheduled to join Turning Point USA’s “AmericaFest” tour in Phoenix next month and plans a campus swing through the Midwest in January. With at least 20 states debating new transgender sports bills heading into 2026, her high-profile—and high-priced—advocacy shows no sign of slowing down.