The North Carolina volleyball star who suffered life-changing injuries at the hands of a trans opponent called it an “incredible honor” to be recognized by President Trump Tuesday night — as she ripped hypocritical Democrats for “failing women.”
Trump talked tough about biological males competing in women’s sports during his barn-burning joint session of Congress, singling out Payton McNabb, who suffered a concussion and neck injury during a game in 2022, when a trans player spiked the ball in her head.
“When her girls’ volleyball match was invaded by a male, he smashed the ball so hard in Peyton’s face, causing a traumatic brain injury, partially paralyzing her right side and ending her athletic career,” Trump said after introducing McNabb in the audience, whom he personally invited to attend.
McNabb told The Post she was “overwhelmed with emotions” to have the president highlight her story in such a public way.
“What an incredible honor. I was just so honored to even be there as a guest of the president and first lady, that’s just unreal – such a surreal moment I’ll never forget,” said McNabb, 19, she still suffers cognitive issues and persistent headaches even two years after her injury.
Payton McNabb attending President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress with second lady Usha Vance. AP Photo/Alex Brandon
McNabb said it was an “incredible honor” to be recognized by Trump. Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images
“Not only getting to be there, but him actually shouting me out and sharing my story was just amazing. It really fills me up because I’m so thankful we finally have a president that is willing to do that and take this issue for what it is.”
The Democrats — who used the joint session as an opportunity to grandstand, including one rep who was escorted out — gave an icy reception to McNabb, sitting stoically in their seats while Republicans and those in the galley cheered.
From her vantage point, she could see the Democrats, who remained seated and stone-faced as the House chamber erupted with applause upon hearing her story.
“I think that was the best speech he’s ever given, it was so pro-American and you could really feel it on one side. The Democrats were really unprofessional and embarrassing yesterday in their actions.”
McNabb suffered a concussion and neck injury after competing in a volleyball game against a transgender athlete. Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images
McNabb was just 17 when her injury forced her to stop competing at a high level in sports, to which she had dedicated her entire life until that fateful day. Since then, she’s become a powerful and persistent voice in advocating for fair, safe competition for female athletes.
A day before Trump’s address to Congress, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act – which would have enshrined Title IX protections “based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth,” was blocked by a united front of Democrats.
The timing of the vote, coupled with congressional Democrats’ performative antics during Tuesday’s joint session, were not lost on the Western Carolina University sophomore.
McNabb accused Democrats of “failing women.” Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
“I think it was so ironic that last night all of the Democrats came together and wore pink and claimed they’re the party of women, and literally the day before none of them voted to protect women and girls,” she said, calling them out for their “hypocrisy” on the heated issue.
“They really showed their hands last night. They can’t get over it – 80% of the country agrees on this and they’re willing to die on this hill. It was really disappointing seeing none of them take a stand for women, because some of them have daughters, and if they don’t they know at least one woman in their lives and voted against them,” she said.
“The Democratic party has failed women.”
