Trump administration and public figures rally behind WNBA star Sophie Cunningham over trans athlete comments

WNBA player Sophie Cunningham has become the focal point of a national debate on gender and sport, drawing high-profile support from the Trump administration and prominent public figures following comments she made regarding transgender athletes. Cunningham stated her position was driven by a desire to protect young girls and biological women in locker rooms, citing common sense and Title IX protections, while explicitly denying any animus towards the trans community.

The remarks have triggered a polarised response, with strong support from US President Donald Trump, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, sports pundit Stephen A. Smith, and former tennis star Martina Navratilova. Leavitt confirmed that President Trump is personally following coverage of Cunningham’s remarks and holds strong feelings on the issue, describing the athlete’s stance as speaking the “truth” about transgender female athletes.

The US Department of Education also publicly endorsed Cunningham’s stance via social media, posting an image of the player with a crown emoji on X. This institutional backing contrasts sharply with the immediate backlash Cunningham has faced from WNBA fans, sports writers, and athletes, with critics describing her terminology as exclusionary dog-whistles.

Sports pundit Stephen A. Smith argued on SiriusXM Radio that Cunningham is “a thousand percent right,” questioning the competitive fairness of trans women in women’s sports. Smith suggested establishing separate leagues for trans athletes, drawing a controversial comparison to the Negro League, a historical precedent for segregated professional baseball that was disbanded in 1962.

Cunningham, who plays for the Indiana Fever, faced confrontations with reporters prior to a game against the Connecticut Sun. She maintained that her views were based on protecting children and upholding Title IX, a federal civil rights law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education programs receiving federal funding. When asked about a future political career, Cunningham said she is “not a very political person” but stands by her morals.

She denied having animus towards trans people, stating she extends love to everyone but feels strongly about protecting biological women in sport. “I think there is room for absolutely everyone here,” Cunningham said, adding that she has “never once said I hated the trans community” but believes there are rights that need to be protected for women in sports.

Former tennis star Martina Navratilova, known for her public anti-trans remarks, agreed with Cunningham’s position and shared the athlete’s comments on X, adding applause and fistbump emojis. The incident has intensified the broader national debate on sex-based discrimination in education and sport, with the White House and its allies framing the issue as a matter of common sense and protection for young girls.