Sophie Cunningham's trans athlete remarks draw mixed reactions, including Trump support
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 28, 2026, 7:15 AM
Last updated Jul 28, 2026
Sophie Cunningham, of the Indiana Fever, has sparked controversy with her comments on transgender athletes competing in women's sports, claiming the need to protect girls. Her remarks were highlighted in an ESPN profile, leading to significant backlash and mixed replies from media personalities. U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly following the situation closely, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating he feels strongly that transgender girls should not compete in women's sports. Leavitt described the situation as common sense, supporting Cunningham's stance. The conversation surrounding these comments continues to evolve, with varying opinions from both supporters and critics.
- •Cunningham claims protecting young girls in sports is her priority.
- •Donald Trump supports Cunningham's views on transgender athletes.
- •Stephen A. Smith advocates for separate leagues for transgender athletes.
- •Responses to Cunningham's comments vary, reflecting a polarized discussion.
- 3:19 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Mutilization of your children’: Donald Trump speaks out on trans-athletes amid Sophie Cunningham controversy
- 7:15 AMYahoo Sports — Donald Trump ‘feels strongly’ about Sophie Cunningham’s trans athlete controversy
"Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever caused quite a stir when an ESPN profile of her included her ideas on what was necessary to “protect women’s sports,” which, in Cunningham’s estimation, means keeping transgender girls from competing in sports with other girls. “I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m…
"Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who is averaging 9.3 points off the bench heading into Tuesday night’s game against the Seattle Storm, ruffled a lot of feathers last week when an ESPN profile about her outspokenness touched on what she felt needed to be done to “protect women’s sports” in relation to trans girls being…
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 28, 2026, 3:19 PM‘Mutilization of your children’: Donald Trump speaks out on trans-athletes amid Sophie Cunningham controversy
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who is averaging 9.3 points off the bench heading into Tuesday night’s game against the Seattle Storm, ruffled a lot of feathers last week when an ESPN profile about her outspokenness touched on what she felt needed to be done to “protect women’s sports” in relation to trans girls being…
- Yahoo SportsJul 28, 2026, 7:15 AMDonald Trump ‘feels strongly’ about Sophie Cunningham’s trans athlete controversy
Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever caused quite a stir when an ESPN profile of her included her ideas on what was necessary to “protect women’s sports,” which, in Cunningham’s estimation, means keeping transgender girls from competing in sports with other girls. “I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m…
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