Sen. Ted Cruz defended Caitlin Clark’s choice not to comment on transgender athletes, praising her as “a hell of a ball player.” He argued that transgender women should not compete against biological women in women’s sports and challenged a TMZ reporter with a hypothetical about male athletes in the WNBA. The discussion also touched on whether transgender children should play with peers in school sports, with Cruz accusing some adults of pushing political agendas onto children.
Ted Cruz Defends Caitlin Clark, Reignites Debate Over Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports
Photo Credit: Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Sen. Ted Cruz weighed in on the ongoing debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports while defending WNBA star Caitlin Clark’s decision not to publicly comment on the issue. Speaking with a TMZ reporter on Capitol Hill, Cruz responded to criticism from commentator Megyn Kelly — who had called Clark a “coward” for declining to weigh in after an Indiana Fever teammate commented that young girls should not have to compete against transgender girls.
Cruz began by praising Clark’s playing ability, calling her “a hell of a ball player,” and argued that professional athletes should not be required to take positions on every political controversy. He then reiterated his view that transgender women should not compete against biological women in women’s sports.
During the exchange, Cruz challenged the reporter with a hypothetical, asking whether it would be fair for a male athlete such as LeBron James to play in the WNBA. He also pressed the reporter on basic sex distinctions, and later addressed the topic of transgender children and school athletics.
When asked whether transgender children should be allowed to play sports with their peers, Cruz said children should be able to socialize and enjoy life. He accused some left-leaning adults of pushing political agendas on children and encouraging transitions, while the reporter noted that many parents support their children’s gender identities.
“If you don’t know what a boy is and you don’t know what a girl is, there’s a reason you work at TMZ,” Cruz said as the interview concluded.
The exchange underscores how debates about fairness in youth and professional sports, gender identity and parental rights continue to provoke sharp public disagreement. The interview was reported after a wave of commentary following the Indiana Fever teammate’s remarks and subsequent public reaction.
Reporting note: The conversation with Cruz was recorded by TMZ. Earlier coverage connecting the story to Caitlin Clark and surrounding commentary was reported by Reality Tea and appeared on Mandatory.
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