Karoline Leavitt addresses Democrats defying trans athlete ban demand: 'Can't say you are the party of women'

Former high school athlete Payton McNabb joins 'America's Newsroom' after attending President Donald Trump's address as his guest to discuss his vow to keep transgender athletes out of women's sports.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt answered questions Wednesday about recent Democrat defiance against keeping trans athletes out of women's and girls' sports. 

During a news briefing, Leavitt scolded the party for its persistent stance on the issue despite data suggesting most Americans oppose trans inclusion in women's sports.

"You can't say you are the party of women and then support men in women's sports and not stand up for basic law and order and immigration reform that will protect women in this country," she said.

President Donald Trump addressed trans inclusion in girls' and women's sports in Tuesday night's speech by honoring guest Payton McNabb, a former girls' volleyball player who suffered permanent brain injuries when a trans athlete spiked the ball in her face in 2022. Trump shared her story during his speech and then vowed to cut federal funding to schools that allow trans athletes to compete.

But McNabb's story was only met with applause from the Republican side of the room as Democrats remained seated and silent.

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Payton McNabb, center, and second lady Usha Vance, right, are shown during President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol on March 4, 2025. (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

However, Democrat congresswomen wore pink during Trump's joint address, one day after Senate Democrats blocked the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. 

"I think the message that Americans should take away from last