Trump Claims Rodman, Kanter Freedom are Only Men Allowed in Women's Sports

Donald Trump, joined by former NBA stars Dennis Rodman and Enes Kanter Freedom at a campaign rally in Oklahoma, stated that they are the "only two men that we're going to allow play in women's sports." Trump also claimed credit for removing "transgender insanity" from schools.

Kanter Freedom has been vocal in his opposition to the WNBA's transgender participation policies and has stated his intention to enter the 2027 WNBA Draft as a protest.

Trump, addressing the rally, said, "We banned all men except for Dennis Rodman and (Enes Kanter) Freedom. They're the only two men that we're going to allow play in women's sports. We banned all men."

Kanter Freedom later posted on social media, sharing a clip of Trump's remarks and stating he had "officially invited" Trump to his "first WNBA game in 2027" following a "great conversation" with the former president. Kanter Freedom also claimed that Rodman had agreed to coach him during the offseason to prepare him for the WNBA season, adding, "can't wait to become the greatest female WNBA player of all time. Rules Are Rules!"

Trump commented on Kanter Freedom's aspirations, saying, "Have men playing in women's sports? I mean, in all fairness, this guy is a monster. He dreams of playing against women. He wants to. In fact, he's willing to say that he's a woman in order to play against women. And I don't think he really believes that, but that's okay. And we have another star."

Turning to Rodman, Trump joked about the former NBA star's height, noting that it made him feel "very small" during a photo opportunity. "Say standing. Where's Dennis Rodman, the great Dennis Rodman?" Trump asked the crowd. "I took pictures with these guys backstage. I didn't like it. I'm supposed to be a large person. I didn't feel large at all. I felt very small. Now look at these guys. They're 7 ft tall. They're monsters."

Trump also referenced Rodman's rebounding records and questioned his ability to compete in women's basketball, stating, "Dennis is the all-time rebounding king in the history of the NBA. So, Dennis, you're a little bit older now, but you're in great shape. Do you think you'd be able to make it in women's basketball? I don't know, Dennis. I'm very worried about you. I'm very worried about you. You got to see this guy. He's crazy. Thank you."

Rodman had accompanied Trump earlier in the day to the Peterbilt Motors factory in Oklahoma and told Reuters he wished to speak with Trump about "life." Trump mentioned Rodman's previous visits to North Korea and his relationship with leader Kim Jong Un, noting that Rodman was the one who "knew him best."