Donald Trump Praises Sophie Cunningham’s Beauty, Labels Her a Must-Sign For WNBA Teams

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke about WNBA star Sophie Cunningham in a rally on Saturday.

Donald Trump Praises Sophie Cunningham’s Beauty, Labels Her a Must-Sign For WNBA Teams

Donald Trump and Sophie Cunningham (Image credits - The Guardian and Yahoo Sports)

Sophie Cunningham is one of the WNBA’s most popular figures. Drafted by the Phoenix Mercury as a second-round pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft, Cunningham was traded to the Indiana Fever last year.

She missed the Fever’s postseason last season due to injury. After finishing sixth in the standings this year, Cunningham and the Fever were eliminated by the Las Vegas Aces in the first round of the playoffs.

United States President Donald Trump spoke at a campaign event at the Covelli Center in Youngstown, Ohio, on Monday. While campaigning for his Republican candidates ahead of the midterm elections, he took a moment to name-drop Cunningham.

During his rally, the President shared his thoughts on the Fever guard and praised her with what could best be described as a backhanded compliment.

I like Sophie Cunningham. Yeah, you have a lot of men wanting to go and watch her, she’s beautiful. Sophie is a beautiful young woman. You probably wouldn’t mind her on the team. Not to help you with points, but to help you with attendance.

Donald Trump at a rally

Cunningham has become a popular personality among conservatives in the United States. It was due to her comments about protecting young girls in locker rooms from transgender athletes.

The whole situation regarding the participation of transgender athletes has become a matter of concern and controversy in the WNBA. However, conservatives praised Cunningham’s comments about banning them, while liberals criticized her.

So it wasn’t surprising that Trump praised her highly. He even called her “beautiful,” something he has said before.

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WNBA fans react to Donald Trump’s comments about Sophie Cunningham

Donald Trump is well known for his controversial and wild statements. While some may see his comments about Cunningham as a compliment, he praised her looks, but his suggestion that male sports fans watch her play basketball because of her appearance turned it into a backhanded compliment.

His remarks received plenty of pushback from WNBA fans across social media.

It remains to be seen if Cunningham will respond to Trump’s questionable comments. However, WNBA fans did not hesitate in calling out the President for not appreciating the game on the court.

Cunningham enters WNBA free agency as one of Fever’s most recognizable players

Sophie Cunningham played a vital role off the bench for the Fever last season. The Fever were even viewed as title contenders after a strong regular-season finish.

Sophie Cunningham's 3-point shot has massively improved
Sophie Cunningham (Image via Underdog SA1/X)

Unfortunately, they fell short and lost to the Aces in Game 3 of the first round. With the 2026 campaign coming to an early end for Cunningham and the Fever, she enters WNBA free agency as her current contract has come to an end.

Fever General Manager Amber Cox was asked whether that outside noise would influence how the organization evaluates Cunningham’s future. Cox said:

No. Sophie’s had two really productive years for us in terms of shooting the basketball. She is a really solid leader in the locker room, a great connector.

Amber Cox in her press conference

Cunningham averaged 7.9 points and 2.3 rebounds in 43 appearances and shot 42% from the three-point line last season. With her one-year, $665,000 deal ending, it will be interesting to see if she returns to the Fever, as she will be eligible to re-sign with them beginning January 30.

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