Texas AG Sues US Masters Swimming Over Trans Athlete Participation

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against U.S. Masters Swimming, accusing the organization of deceptive and misleading practices by permitting transgender women, specifically biological males, to compete in women's swimming events. The suit follows an investigation triggered by the 2025 Spring Nationals in San Antonio, where transgender swimmer Ana Caldas won five gold medals in the women's 45-49 age group, sparking controversy among female competitors who were unaware of Caldas's biological sex. Paxton claims that USMS misrepresented its women’s competitions as exclusive to female athletes, thereby undermining the integrity of women’s sports and consumer trust, and emphasized that the organization had succumbed to pressure from activists. Despite Texas laws banning transgender athletes from K-12 and collegiate sports, no state law currently prohibits transgender adults from competing in adult sports organizations like USMS. USMS expressed surprise at the lawsuit and noted cooperation with the investigation, condemning the legal action as a headline-driven attack rather than a pursuit of justice. The lawsuit seeks to hold USMS accountable for its policies and protect female athletes’ opportunities in competitive swimming.