Nicolai Haugsted
Social media users have condemned Trump’s remarks after he suggested that Sophie Cunningham could boost attendance without contributing points.
Donald Trump has never been particularly concerned with keeping his opinions to himself, especially when speaking in front of a cheering crowd.
The president regularly uses his campaign appearances to venture beyond politics, occasionally bringing celebrities and professional athletes into the conversation.
But his latest comments about a prominent American basketball player have attracted criticism for reasons that have little to do with the sport itself.
During a rally in Youngstown, Ohio, on Monday, October 12, Trump praised WNBA player Sophie Cunningham for her appearance while suggesting that her biggest contribution to a basketball team might be attracting male spectators.
The remarks quickly prompted accusations of sexism, with critics questioning why the president appeared more interested in Cunningham’s looks than her abilities on the court.
Trump praises her looks, but not her basketball skills
Speaking to supporters, the 80-year-old president turned his attention to Cunningham, who plays for the Indiana Fever.
“Sophie is a beautiful young woman,” Trump declared.
He then addressed former Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden, who was also present, and suggested Cunningham could be a valuable addition to a team for reasons unrelated to scoring points.
“You probably wouldn’t mind her on the team, not to help you with points,” Trump said.
“But to help you with attendance. The attendance would be great.”
The president continued by suggesting that Cunningham’s appearance would be enough to attract a considerable male audience.
“You have a lot of men wanting to go and watch her,” he said. “She’s beautiful.”
Rather than leaving the comments there, Trump turned the moment into a joke about the supposed dangers of complimenting women in modern politics.
“You’re not allowed to say that anymore, however, as a politician. Please, please, let me take it back,” he told the crowd.
“Anytime a politician says a woman is beautiful, that’s generally the end of his political career in the modern-day politic world.”
Critics were far from impressed
Trump may have presented his remarks as harmless humor, but several social media users were considerably less amused.
The comments drew criticism from people who argued that the president had reduced a professional athlete to her physical appearance.
“Totally not creepy at all to say,” one X user wrote sarcastically.
Another responded with a considerably shorter assessment.
“So gross.”
A third critic wrote: “Trump the pervert strikes again.”
Others focused specifically on the suggestion that Cunningham’s appearance mattered more than her sporting achievements.
“Sophie Cunningham, regardless of her political views, should be disgusted that the president said her only value to her team is her looks and not her ability on the court,” another user argued.
The criticism reflects a broader disagreement over whether Trump’s remarks amounted to an innocent compliment or an inappropriate assessment of a female athlete.
Cunningham shares a message after the rally
Cunningham has not publicly addressed the president’s remarks directly, according to RadarOnline.
However, hours after the rally, she shared a religious message on her Instagram Stories.
The basketball player reposted a Bible verse from Thessalonians encouraging people to support one another.
“Encourage and build up one another,” the message read.
Whether the post was intended as a response to Trump remains unclear.
Cunningham has previously attracted attention for expressing political opinions that overlap with positions supported by prominent Republicans.
During her college years in Missouri, she reportedly acquired the nickname “MAGA Barbie” because of her social media interest in conservative commentators, including Candace Owens.
More recently, she has spoken against allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports, describing her position as an effort to “protect women’s sports.”
Her comments have made her a controversial figure beyond basketball.
Trump isn’t her only admirer in the administration
Vice President JD Vance has previously defended Cunningham over her comments about transgender athletes.
During an August appearance on Fox News, Vance praised her willingness to express her views despite criticism.
“Look, sometimes when you’re courageous in this country, some of the worst people in the world will try to attack you,” he said.
“What I would tell Sophie and anybody is to keep speaking your mind. You actually are inspiring a dozen people for every person that criticizes you.”
Cunningham has also publicly supported actress Sydney Sweeney amid controversy surrounding one of her advertising campaigns.
“That’s what she’s known for,” Cunningham said last month.
“So she’s going to do that. She’s making her money. Go do your thing, sis.”
Her willingness to enter politically charged debates has already ensured that Cunningham attracts attention beyond the WNBA.
Trump’s latest comments have now placed her in another controversy, although the basketball player herself has yet to say whether she welcomed the president’s praise.
For Trump, meanwhile, the criticism has turned what he presented as a lighthearted compliment into another debate about how he speaks about women in public.
