Melania Trump sides with J.K. Rowling in first comments on transgender women in sport

Melania Trump sided with author J.K. Rowling and husband Donald Trump on transgender women in sports, arguing female athletes should be 'protected and respected.'

The former first lady writes about the issue in her memoir Melania, which was published on Tuesday. 

Rowling caused a massive controversy when she revealed her views on transgender, which were seen as harmful to the trans community. Republicans, too, have turned the issue into a major political battlefield.

Melania revealed her disagreement with her husband on abortion rights, which she supports, but. on transgender issues, the couple is in alignment. 

'Today, some groups attempt to impose their ideologies on everyone, deepening the divisions in our society. One example is the ongoing debate over trans inclusion in sports, specifically when male-born athletes who identify as female compete against women,' she writes.

'Male bodies generally have physical advantages – muscle strength, height, bone density, and lung capacity – that can affect fairness in competition, even at the high school level.

'Some argue that the number of trans-athletes is low, but even one can upset the balance in a female league or tournament due to these physical advantages.

'High school athletes often dedicate years to training with the hope of being recruited by universities. Seeing that dream collapse is an unnecessary and avoidable consequence. 

'This issue also has broader implications, including the loss of future earning potential as professional athletes and a potential setback for equal pay in sports,' she adds.

The former first lady, notes, however, her longtime support for LGBTQ rights.

'As many of you may know, I fully support the LGBTQIA+ community. But we must also ensure that our female athletes are protected and respected,' she writes. 

Donald Trump has mocked transgender people during his campaign and Republicans have used the issue to rally their conservative base. 

Melania addresses the issue in her memoir, which touches on her time as first lady without getting into some of the more controversial moments, such as Stormy Daniels allegation she had an affair with Donald Trump. 

The 256-page book is filled with stories from Melania's childhood in Slovenia and photos from her private life, including her childhood in Europe and raising her son Barron in New York. 

The former first lady has been the subject of many biographies and books but this is the first time she is telling her story.

She is selling two editions: a $150 collector's edition featuring 256 pages in full color throughout, with each copy signed by the author. The memoir edition will be 304 pages and available for $40 with signed copies available for $75. 

Her book has some shocking revelations, such as she supports a woman's right to choose when it comes to abortion - contrast to her husband's position on the issue.

The former first lady wrote that she's 'carried this belief' for her 'entire adult life'.

'It is imperative to guarantee that women have autonomy in deciding their preference of having children, based on their own convictions, free from any intervention or pressure from the government,' Melania writes. 

'Why should anyone other than the woman herself have the power to determine what she does with her own body? A woman's fundamental right of individual liberty, to her own life, grants her the authority to terminate her pregnancy if she wishes,' she continues.

'Restricting a woman's right to choose whether to terminate an unwanted pregnancy is the same as denying her control over her own body,' she says. 'I have carried this belief with me throughout my entire adult life.'

The eyebrow-raising admission came just one month before her husband battles it out in the presidential election with Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, with abortion rights set to be one of the most decisive issues among voters.