Former swimmer responds to Donald Trump after he slams her over criticism of Jesus AI post
Former swimmer Riley Gaines has defended Donald Trump - despite the President hitting out at her over her response to his Jesus AI post.
Trump posted an AI-generated image to his Truth Social page on Sunday which depicted him as a Jesus-like figure treating a sick man in a hospital bed.
The post received significant backlash from across the political spectrum, including Gaines, who has supported Trump over his views on transgender athletes in sport.
She wrote on Twitter: "Why? Seriously, I cannot understand why he'd post this. Is he looking for a response? Does he actually think this?'
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"Either way, two things are true. 1) A little humility would serve him well. 2) God shall not be mocked."
Trump would later delete the post, but still launched a brutal attack on Gaines during a phone interview with CBS senior correspondent Norah O'Donnell.
"I didn't listen to Riley Gaines. I'm not a big fan of Riley, actually," Trump stated.
Despite the President's comments, though, Gaines again took to her social media and reiterated her general support for Trump.
"I love the president and I'm so grateful he's in the Oval Office," she wrote. "Of course, I'll continue to support him and the America First agenda.
"At the end of the day, I do nothing for the approval of man. Our purpose on this earth is to glorify Him in all we do. The Truth Social post missed the mark. It's now deleted. Amazing!
"We're imperfect people. I know I am. I don't get my feelings hurt easy and I know with the president it's really not personal.
"I want to spend eternity in a real place called Heaven. I'd love for Trump to be there too.
"Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. I'll keep doing my part by speaking truth & doing my best to lead others to Christ."
She added: "And no, I won't be selling merch with his insults on them hahaha."
Gaines was a 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer for the University of Kentucky when she tied for fifth place with transgender swimmer Lia Thomas during a NCAA freestyle championship race in 2022.
Since then, she has campaigned against allowing transgender women from competing in women's sports.
Trump signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from competing in women's sports in January 2025, then threatened to remove funding from universities or colleges that did not comply.
Gaines praised Trump for signing the order, telling Fox17 Nashville: “I believe this is long overdue and in total contrast with the precedent that the former administration had set.”
Topics: Donald Trump, Swimming, United States
Ryan Smart