The White House has incorporated a viral meme featuring WNBA star Sophie Cunningham into its social media content. The meme, which originated from a moment during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Phoenix Mercury, shows Cunningham pointing dramatically at opponent DeWanna Bonner.
Cunningham, a guard for the Indiana Fever, was one of five players to receive a technical foul during the fourth quarter of the Fever's 86-77 win over the Mercury on June 22. The altercation began after Fever star Caitlin Clark fouled Bonner, leading to exchanged words and subsequent clashes, including between Cunningham and Bonner.
The White House X account shared a video that includes Cunningham explaining her technical foul for pointing at Bonner and reenacting the gesture. The video then transitions to a clip of Donald Trump pointing into a camera and giving a thumbs-up.
Cunningham, when asked about the White House's use of the meme, stated that she was not particularly bothered. "I think everyone around the world is posting it," Cunningham told reporters on Friday. "Every company has done it. They’re just the one to also get on board, and so I didn’t really think twice about it. I think they’re just another group who is posting about it."
Cunningham described the meme's widespread use as "so goofy" and acknowledged its global reach. "It’s getting worldwide views now, so it’s just been kind of fun to see," she said. "I didn’t even mean for it to blow up like that."
The meme has been shared across various platforms by athletes, sports teams, and celebrities, often accompanied by humorous captions.