Donald Trump has described transgender swimmer Lia Thomas as a “he” during a rally, before questioning: “Is our country going to hell?”
Thomas sparked outrage after becoming the first transgender woman to win an NCAA swimming title earlier this year.
While last month, the trans swimmer was nominated by the University of Pennsylvania for the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year award.
Speaking during a rally in Wisconsin, the former US President waded in on the row.
Donald Trump and Lia Thomas
Reuters/PA
Thomas sparked outrage after becoming the first transgender woman to win an NCAA swimming title
Brett Davis
He said: “We will also keep men out of women's sports,” before citing Thomas as an example.
Mr Trump went on to explain how one female athlete was deprived of breaking a record because of Thomas.
The former President continued: “And he was just given the Female Athlete of the Year by the way did you know that.”
“Is our country going to hell or what?”
Mr Trump later said: “he had a wingspan like this,” as he tried to explain how tall Thomas was.
The tirade continued as Mr Trump went on to hit out at teachers for “teaching transgender to our children without parental consent”.
He added: “No teacher should ever be allowed to teach transgender to our children without parental consent.
“What they’re doing to your children essentially behind your back is crazy.”
