Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) has criticized social media comments that liken parents of female athletes to Ku Klux Klan members, while also denouncing the chair of USA Fencing for referring to her daughter as “whims” for not wanting to compete against transgender athletes.
During a hearing held by the House of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on Wednesday, the situation escalated after a female fencer declined to compete with a transgender opponent, leading to some tense exchanges.
“Do you think parents who don’t want their daughters competing with men in women’s sports are whimsical?” Gill asked. When Lehfeldt answered, “No, Sir,” Gill took it further.
“You say your daughter reacts to a parent who doesn’t want men competing against her,” Gill noted, referencing a social media post from a fencing official. “You mentioned, ‘I’m not going to write a whimsical email regarding my departure,’” he added.
Lehfeldt had limited justification, admitting that his comment was “inappropriate” and expressing regret he deleted it.
“I certainly don’t feel that way anymore,” he insisted.
Gill then highlighted another instance where Lehfeldt equated the parents of the female fencer to members of the KKK. “Do you think comparing such parents to the Ku Klux Klan is fair?” he inquired. “No,” replied Lehfeldt.
“It’s said that those who respond to women with concerns about trans athletes quote this ‘Grand Wizard Variety’ from the chair’s social media page,” Gill pointed out.
“That’s inappropriate,” Lehfeldt repeated. “I admit it and promise not to make such remarks again.”
Lehfeldt ultimately apologized for his posts but declined to express regret toward Stephanie Turner, a fencer currently serving a probationary period from US Fencing following her protests at a March competition against a transgender competitor.
Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) has strongly urged the chairman to apologize to Turner for the treatment of women in sports.
“Mr. Turner was given a black card under our rules,” Lehfeldt stated before pressing if he would apologize.
“Are you going to apologize for how she was treated?” Mace asked, but he remained unyielding. He seemed to overlook Turner’s perspective, continuing to apply pressure until realizing the earlier oversight in his organization.
Turner remarked that she wanted more than just an apology, aiming instead for “policy change.”
“I want more than an apology. I want action and honesty restored. For me, apologies without action are empty words,” she commented.
In April, USA Fencing announced plans to revise its gender policy following Turner’s probation.
“If US Fencing is compelled to modify its position to comply with watchdogs or federal regulations, the new policy should mandate competition based on biological sex as reflected in US Fencing’s sanctioned tournaments.”
