Trump Jokes About 'Risking Political Career' with Praise for WNBA Star Sophie Cunningham

Former President Donald Trump remarked on the appearance of WNBA player Sophie Cunningham at a Republican campaign rally in Youngstown, Ohio, joking that he was risking his political career with his praise.

"Sophie Cunningham. I like Sophie," Trump told the crowd. "You have a lot of men wanting to go and watch her, she's beautiful." He then preemptively addressed potential criticism, stating, "You're not allowed to say that anymore, however. As a politician, please, please, let me take it back. Any time a politician says a woman is beautiful, that's generally the end of his political career in the modern-day political world."

Despite his attempt to backtrack, Trump continued, "But Sophie is a beautiful young woman. You probably wouldn't find her on the team, not to help you with points, but to help you with attendance. Attendance would be great."

His comments quickly drew criticism online. One user remarked, "he just said you suck at basketball but are nice to look at….totally normal," while another called the statement "brutal and creepy." Others labeled Trump a "creep," with one observer stating Cunningham "should be disgusted that the president said her only value to her team is her looks and not her ability on the court."

Cunningham, an Indiana Fever player from Missouri, has previously been nicknamed 'MAGA Barbie' and has spoken out about her desire to "protect young girls" in women's sports, a stance that has aligned with policies pushed by the Trump administration. However, Cunningham has publicly stated that her political views are more moderate.

In an interview with The New York Times last year, Cunningham addressed the 'MAGA Barbie' nickname and assumptions about her political alignment. "I'm clearly white and from Missouri, and so I think there was a lot of assumption there," she said. "All I have to say is I really am right in the middle, and I think a lot of America is like that. In our culture today you have to choose and you have to be an extremist, and that's just not me. So I agree with things on both sides; I disagree with things on both sides."

Trump's appearance at the rally in Ohio was ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. He was joined at the event by former NFL coach Jon Gruden and influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul.