ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith recently voiced his opposition to transgender women competing in women's sports, echoing the stance of former President Donald Trump. During a Super Bowl LIX radio row interview, Smith clarified his position, emphasizing his support for LGBTQ+ rights while distinguishing it from his concerns about fairness in women's sports.
Smith believes that transgender women competing against cisgender women creates an uneven playing field, potentially disadvantaging those born female. This perspective aligns with Trump's executive order barring transgender athletes from women's sports, a policy later adopted by the NCAA.
Sadie Schreiner holds a transgender flag after finishing third in the finals of the 200m race at the NCAA DIII outdoor track and field championships on May 25, 2024. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Trump's then-Secretary of Education nominee, Linda McMahon, also expressed similar views during her confirmation hearings. She stated her belief that biological males should not compete against females in sports, citing both public opinion and legal precedents.
Stephen A. Smith on the ESPN NBA Countdown live set at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, on Oct. 23, 2024. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)
A national exit poll conducted by the Concerned Women for America (CWA) legislative action committee revealed that a significant portion of moderate voters considered Trump's stance on transgender athletes in women's sports an important factor in the 2024 election.
President Donald Trump signs an executive order barring transgender female athletes from competing in women's or girls' sporting events, in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
