White House Defends WNBA Star Sophie Cunningham

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt publicly defended WNBA player Sophie Cunningham on Thursday, July 23, 2026, after the Indiana Fever guard faced criticism for her comments on transgender athletes in women's sports. Leavitt's remarks came during the daily press briefing, where she stated that President Donald Trump was following the situation.

Cunningham's comments were published in an ESPN profile on Tuesday, July 21. In the interview, she addressed being labeled a "MAGA Barbie" by some online and explained her stance on protecting women's sports. "I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I'm like, I never once said that," Cunningham told ESPN. "I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men."

The comments prompted significant backlash on social media, with many accusing Cunningham of being transphobic. The athlete addressed the criticism again on Wednesday, July 22, ahead of a game, calling her position "common sense" and reiterating her focus on protecting children,...