What is Sophie Cunningham’s relationship with Donald Trump and why does he keep talking about her?

Sophie Cunningham has become one of the most talked-about personalities in the WNBA, but lately, some of the attention surrounding the Indiana Fever guard has come from an unexpected place: President Donald Trump. From social media posts to campaign rallies, Trump has repeatedly brought up the basketball player, raising questions about whether the two have a personal connection.

The latest moment came during an October 12 rally in Youngstown, Ohio, where Trump unexpectedly mentioned Cunningham while speaking to former NFL coach Jon Gruden. Rather than focusing on her performance on the court, the president praised her appearance and suggested she could help attract spectators to sporting events.

The exchange quickly drew attention, adding another chapter to an unusual public association between a professional basketball player and the president. But the connection is less personal than some might assume, and its origins reveal how Cunningham became part of a much larger national debate.

Donald Trump on Sophie Cunningham:

“I like Sophie. You have a lot of men wanting to go and watch her. She’s beautiful…”

“You probably wouldn’t mind her on the team. Not to help with points, but to help you with attendance.” https://t.co/3P3zbXvUhI

— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) October 13, 2026

Does Sophie Cunningham have a personal relationship with Donald Trump?

There is no publicly documented personal relationship between Cunningham and Trump. The two have not announced a friendship, professional partnership or political collaboration.

Their public association developed through social media and overlapping positions on a controversial issue in women’s sports.

In June, the White House shared a video combining Cunningham’s viral pointing gesture from a WNBA game with footage of Trump making a similar gesture. When reporters asked Cunningham about the post, she downplayed its significance, explaining that the meme had already spread widely online.

The connection became more pronounced in July after Cunningham publicly expressed opposition to transgender women competing in women’s sports. White House officials subsequently praised her position, with then-press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirming that Trump was following coverage of the player.

Why does Trump keep mentioning Sophie Cunningham?

Cunningham’s comments about transgender participation in women’s sports align with a policy position Trump has repeatedly emphasized.

The Fever guard has argued that women’s sports and locker rooms should be protected, while also insisting that her position does not come from hostility toward transgender people.

Her remarks attracted both supporters and critics. Demonstrations surrounding Fever games reflected the broader disagreement, with some fans backing Cunningham and others advocating for transgender inclusion in sports.

That controversy helps explain why Cunningham has become a recognizable figure in conservative media and political discussions, even though she has not identified herself as a Republican.

In an ESPN interview, Cunningham described her politics as being in the middle, saying she agrees and disagrees with positions on both sides. Her public statements therefore should not be treated as evidence of a formal political affiliation.