The White House has publicly supported WNBA star Sophie Cunningham following her comments advocating for the protection of women's sports, asserting that her views align with a significant portion of the American public. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Thursday that the idea of men competing in women's sports is "completely ludicrous" and criticized the backlash Cunningham has faced from "Democrats and left-wing figures."
Cunningham, a player for the Indiana Fever, expressed her stance in an interview with ESPN, where she stated her belief that biological men should not compete in women's sports. She clarified that her position is not one of hate towards transgender individuals but rather a desire to protect young girls and female athletes. "I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men," Cunningham said.
During a press conference, Leavitt echoed Cunningham's sentiments, calling the issue a matter of "common sense" and estimating that "80/20 issue" among the American public. She characterized the criticism directed at Cunningham as evidence that some are "out of touch with the American public."
Cunningham, speaking to reporters ahead of the Fever's game against the Connecticut Sun, reiterated her position. "I think I said what I said. I think it's kind of common sense," she stated. "I'll always believe in that. It's really important to protect children, and that's little girls who are also involved in that category... I'm not a very political person, but I do have beliefs. I have morals, and I'll always stand on those... I extend love, and I don't dislike anyone. I think there is room for absolutely everyone here."
This debate has drawn attention to the broader national conversation surrounding transgender athletes' participation in sports and the policies governing women's athletics. High school athletes Briley Lechner and Ella Frei have also spoken out on Fox News, detailing experiences with perceived unfair competition and locker room safety concerns, respectively, which they attribute to the presence of transgender athletes.