Donald Trump’s Sophie Cunningham remarks spark attention after WNBA star gets unexpected shoutout
Donald Trump says Sophie Cunningham could draw more fans
“I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans,” Cunningham said. “And I’m like, ‘I never once said that.’”
US President Donald Trump praised Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham’s appearance while questioning her value as a basketball player during a rally in Youngstown, Ohio, on Monday, October 12. She averaged 7.9 points per game during the 2026 season, her lowest average in five years, and is now a free agent. Her next team, if she signs with one, has yet to be announced.
“You probably wouldn’t mind her on the team, not to help you with points, but to help you with attendance. Trump’s remarks came while he was discussing transgender athletes in women’s sports, an issue Cunningham has spoken about publicly. The Indiana Fever player has faced both criticism and support for her views on the subject.
“Sophie is a beautiful young woman,” Trump said, before suggesting that a team could benefit more from her ability to attract fans than from her scoring. The attendance would be great,” Trump told former NFL coach Jon Gruden during the event.
