Riley Gaines Reverses Course After Trump's "Not a Fan" Comment
Former collegiate swimmer and prominent activist Riley Gaines swiftly adjusted her public stance on Donald Trump, hours after criticizing an AI-generated image shared by the former President. The change came after Trump publicly stated he was "not a big fan" of Gaines during a television interview.
Initial Criticism of AI Image
The controversy began when Donald Trump posted an AI-created image on Truth Social that many online interpreted as depicting him in a messianic light. Gaines, a vocal supporter of Trump in the past, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her disapproval.
"Why? Seriously, I cannot understand why he’d post this. Is he looking for a response? Does he actually think this?" Gaines wrote. She added, "Either way, two things are true. 1) a little humility would serve him well. 2) God shall not be mocked."
Her comments quickly gained traction, especially given her previous unwavering support for the former President and his "America First" agenda.
Trump's Response and Gaines's Reaffirmation
During a phone interview with CBS News reporter Norah O’Donnell, Trump addressed the image controversy and Gaines's comments. He made it clear that her criticism did not influence his actions.
"I didn’t listen to Riley Gaines. I’m not a big fan of Riley, actually," Trump stated.
Hours after Trump's remarks, Gaines posted a new message, clarifying her position. "I love the President and I’m so grateful he’s in the Oval Office. Of course, I’ll continue to support him and the America First agenda," she wrote. She further explained that while she believed the Truth Social post "missed the mark" and was glad it was deleted, she recognized human imperfection, including her own.
Context of Their Relationship
The brief public disagreement was notable given the previously strong relationship between Gaines and Trump. In February 2025, Trump had invited Gaines to the White House, praising her as a "brave swimmer" during an event focused on women’s sports. Gaines has also consistently appeared at Trump rallies and supported his 2024 presidential campaign. This quick clash, however, resolved just as rapidly as it emerged.