Former President Donald Trump and his administration are amplifying comments made by WNBA player Sophie Cunningham regarding transgender athletes' participation in women’s sports, using her remarks to bolster their position on the contentious issue.

Cunningham, a guard for the Indiana Fever, recently expressed her view that transgender women should not compete in female athletic competitions. Speaking with ESPN earlier this week, she stated her concern for protecting young girls in sports from competing against “biological men.” Cunningham reiterated her stance during a Wednesday press event, describing her position as based on “common sense” and aimed at safeguarding female athletes.

The White House has embraced Cunningham’s comments as aligning with Trump’s policies. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday that Trump remains attentive to the discussion and supports efforts to protect women and girls in sports. The Trump administration last year moved to reverse changes made under President Joe Biden, including issuing an executive order to bar transgender athletes from girls’ and women’s teams. Leavitt characterized the criticism Cunningham has received from Democrats and progressive groups as "astonishing" and framed Cunningham’s remarks as truthful.

The Education Department also acknowledged Cunningham’s views, sharing a photo of the player with a crown alongside the phrase “common sense prevails.” Public opinion appears to support Cunningham’s perspective, according to a June Quinnipiac University poll which found that approximately 70% of Americans believe transgender women and girls should be barred from competing on female sports teams.

Conservative figures have praised Cunningham’s intervention. Clay Travis, Fox News contributor and attorney who has engaged with administration officials on the topic, said the White House response reflects relief to hear a professional athlete voice this view. Travis sent Cunningham’s video remarks directly to Trump, calling her comments a welcome addition to the debate.

However, Cunningham’s statements have drawn significant backlash from within the WNBA and its community, with some players and coaches defending transgender inclusion and criticizing the controversy as disproportionately amplified. Cheryl Reeve, head coach of the Minnesota Lynx, condemned the increasing hostility toward transgender individuals and described the legislative focus on transgender athletes as misplaced. She emphasized that exclusionary policies are not solutions and advocated for greater education on the subject.

Brianna Turner, forward for the Las Vegas Aces and one of Cunningham’s former teammates, expressed support for Reeve’s remarks on social media. Turner identified as an advocate for the transgender community since entering the WNBA and dismissed many critiques as rooted in fear and prejudice.

The Indiana Fever organization has stated it respects Cunningham’s right to express her views as an adult, underscoring its commitment to inclusiveness and respect for fans from diverse backgrounds.

Cunningham, 29, has gained heightened media attention since joining forces with Caitlin Clark, a prominent figure in U.S. women’s basketball. While she declines to affiliate herself publicly with any political party, her recent statements and social media activity—ranging from criticism of data center construction to support for military veterans—have fueled speculation about potential political ambitions beyond her athletic career.

Cultural commentator Chuck Klosterman recently predicted that Cunningham could emerge as a vice-presidential candidate by 2048, highlighting her growing public profile beyond sports.