Trump praises WNBA star's looks at Ohio campaign rally

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 15:14 · Archive

President Donald Trump praised WNBA player Sophie Cunningham's appearance at a Republican rally in Ohio.

President Donald Trump praised WNBA player Sophie Cunningham for her looks during a Republican campaign rally in Youngstown, Ohio. Speaking to former NFL coach Jon Gruden, Trump said: 'You have a lot of men wanting to go and watch her. She's beautiful.' He suggested she would boost attendance on a sports team, saying: 'You probably wouldn't mind her on the team not to help you with points, but to help you with attendance.'

Trump joked he was risking his entire political career by complimenting a woman's appearance. He said: 'You're not allowed to say that anymore, however, as a politician. Please, please, let me take it back. Anytime a politician says a woman is beautiful, that's generally the end of his political career in the modern-day political world.' He then repeated his praise, calling Cunningham 'a beautiful young woman.'

Cunningham, an Indiana Fever player, became a focal point in debates about transgender athletes in women's sports after voicing her opposition to their participation. Her WNBA season ended when the Fever were knocked out of the playoffs by the Aces in three games.

How it is being reported

• Trump shouts out 'beautiful' Sophie Cunningham at Ohio rally: 'Wouldn't mind her on the team'President Donald Trump called Sophie Cunningham "beautiful" at his Youngstown rally, saying the Indiana Fever guard would help boost attendance for any WNBA team.Fox News · 13 Oct, 15:30
• Trump praises ‘beautiful young woman’ Sophie Cunningham during rally after trans controversyPresident Donald Trump praised Sophie Cunningham for her looks, which he suggested would boost a sports team's attendance during a rally in Youngstown, Ohio on Monday night.New York Post · 13 Oct, 15:02
• Trump jokes he is risking his entire political career with gushing praise of 'beautiful young woman' Sophie CunninghamWNBA star Sophie Cunningham was the subject of gushing praise over her looks from President Donald Trump as he appeared at a Republican rally in Ohio.Daily Mail Sport · 13 Oct, 02:20

In this story: Donald Trump · Sophie Cunningham · Jon Gruden · Indiana Fever · Youngstown · Ohio

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