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Donald Trump Makes Unexpected Remarks About WNBA Star Sophie Cunningham

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham found herself in an unexpected spotlight on Monday when former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly praised her during a political rally in Ohio.

Speaking at an event supporting Ohio Senator Jon Husted, Trump singled out the 30-year-old star, calling her a "beautiful young woman" and joking that her popularity could draw crowds to WNBA games. He even quipped to former NFL coach Jon Gruden about Cunningham’s potential to boost attendance, though he later backtracked on the compliment, saying politicians can’t make such remarks anymore.

The comments marked a rare moment where Cunningham, known for her fiery on-court personality and off-court visibility, became the focus of national attention outside of basketball. Her rise in the league—after six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury—has made her one of the WNBA’s most recognizable figures, both for her playmaking and her outspoken demeanor.

Cunningham’s unexpected mention by Trump came as a surprise, given her usual headlines stem from her athletic performances or social media presence. The former Missouri standout has thrived since joining the Fever in 2025, aligning herself with stars like Caitlin Clark while cultivating a fanbase through bold fashion choices and candid social media posts.

The rally remarks, though lighthearted, underscored her growing influence beyond the court, proving even political figures take notice of her growing star power.

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