Riley Gaines Attends Supreme Court Hearing with Infant

Conservative activist Riley Gaines appeared on Fox News’ “Outnumbered” on Wednesday, sharing that she brought her 3-month-old daughter, Margot, wrapped in a bulletproof blanket to the Supreme Court. This was during a case that could potentially ban transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports.

During the segment, which included hosts Harris Faulkner and Emily Compagno, Gaines expressed her concerns for her daughter’s safety. “She goes everywhere with me. She’s been to 16 states and even met the president,” Gaines noted. “Having a three-month-old baby needing a bulletproof blanket, well, that just shows the kind of emotions you feel when you consider these situations.”

She mentioned that many Democratic supporters of transgender athletes might be misplacing their frustrations. “They think they’re sending a message to Trump, but really, it’s my daughter they’re disregarding,” she said, referring to a brief signed by 130 Democrats in support of the transgender athletes in the current case.

As background, on Tuesday, the Supreme Court reviewed two cases—one from Idaho and one from West Virginia—where federal courts had previously blocked state laws that prohibited transgender athletes from competing based on their gender identity. Depending on the court’s decisions, over 25 states may later consider similar legislation.

Transgender athletes Becky Pepper Jackson and Lindsey Hecox are challenging these bans, and both have received lower court injunctions to continue their competitions. While reports suggest the likelihood of the Supreme Court upholding these state laws, no official ruling has yet been made.

Gaines, a former swimmer, has been a longstanding advocate against allowing transgender athletes in women’s sports.