Fitness influencer blasts Nike-backed Smithsonian exhibit on Lia Thomas sparking debate over transgender athlete fairness

Lia Thomas, the former University of Pennsylvania swimmer, is at the heart of a fight over fairness and science. In August 2025, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History opened an exhibit called “Change Your Game”.

The exhibit asks visitors if they think Lia Thomas competing on the women’s team is fair or foul. It also explains how gender testing works in sports. This show got heat because sponsor Nike is involved, and fitness star Jillian Michaels called it out on CNN. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump asked for a full check of all Smithsonian exhibits ahead of the country’s 250th birthday.

Lia Thomas in Nike-funded Smithsonian exhibit sparks fairness debate

Lia Thomas was on the University of Pennsylvania’s women’s swim team in early 2022.

The “Change Your Game” exhibit at the Smithsonian asks visitors to pick if her presence is “fair or foul.” It also explains gender testing, like using cheek swabs to check for a Y chromosome, which World Athletics is starting to use to decide who can compete in women’s events.

Fitness influencer Jillian Michaels spoke about it on CNN and said, “It’s not complex. It’s basic science. Is it fair to have biological men competing against biological women in sports? No, but why is this in the Smithsonian?”Outkick Sports and XX-XY Athletics also pointed out Nike’s role.

Dan Zaksheske from Outkick asked, “Why does a company that claims to support and lift female athletes refuse to condemn males competing in women’s sports?” He added, “Unless, of course, Nike isn’t really as interested in promoting women’s sports as they are in promoting left-wing talking points.” Also Read: “Bring Me A Cute Labubu”: Ben Shelton’s Girlfriend Trinity Rodman Joins Coco Gauff And Iga Swiatek In Viral Doll Craze

Donald Trump orders Smithsonian review amid trans athlete controversy

The exhibit is partly paid for by Nike. That drew sharp criticism from conservatives who said the company talks about women’s sports but supports an exhibit they find unfair.This all comes as President Donald Trump launched a review of Smithsonian exhibits. On August 12, 2025, the White House sent a letter asking for a “comprehensive internal review” to make sure exhibits match a strong, united view of America and steer clear of anything divisive.That review includes the “Change Your Game” exhibit in the National Museum of American History. Trump’s team said they want to look at tone, how history is framed, and whether exhibits celebrate American ideals. Some civil rights leaders said this review could erase important stories in American history but that’s a whole different story.