White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Puts Sophie Cunningham’s Critics On Blast [VIDEO]
The White House is throwing its support behind Cunningham.
Sophie Cunningham’s recent comments on transgender athletes have reached the White House.
During Thursday’s press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the Indiana Fever guard after Cunningham faced criticism for remarks she made earlier this week in an ESPN feature.
Leavitt said President Donald Trump had not personally spoken with Cunningham but added that he had been following the story because the issue aligned with one of his administration’s priorities.
“I don’t believe he has reached out to her,” Leavitt explained. “I know he is following the story.”
Leavitt then criticized those who disagreed with Cunningham’s position.
“It’s completely ludicrous that anyone could support that. It’s even more ludicrous you have Sophie Cunningham, a female athlete herself… speaking that truth… and the backlash she is receiving… is astonishing.”
Earlier this week, Cunningham clarified that she did not identify with either major political party after some social media users labeled her a “MAGA Barbie.”
She described herself as “very much in the middle” politically while also expressing support for protecting women’s sports.
Sophie Cunningham Reiterated Her Position Before Fever’s Latest Game
Sophie Cunningham (Photo via Twitter)
Reporters asked Cunningham whether she wanted to expand on her earlier remarks before Indiana’s game against the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday night.
The guard reaffirmed her position.
“I said what I said,” Sophie said, doubling down. “I think it’s kind of common sense.”
She also emphasized that her views did not come from hatred toward transgender individuals.
“I don’t dislike anyone… I’m there to love, but I’m also there to love biological women.”
Cunningham’s initial comments came during an ESPN piece that explored both her basketball career and her growing public profile away from the court. In that interview, she said she had received criticism from people who accused her of hating transgender individuals, something she strongly rejected.
The Fever guard has remained one of the WNBA’s most outspoken personalities throughout the season.
Now, her comments have become part of a broader national conversation that has extended well beyond basketball and into the political arena.
