Donald Trump’s latest campaign promise has thrown the Olympics into another political spotlight. Speaking at a recent rally, the former president proposed new eligibility restrictions for transgender athletes in Olympic events—specifically barring trans women from competing in women’s categories.
“Under the Trump administration, we will defend the proud tradition of female athletes, and we will not allow men to beat up, injure and cheat our women and our girls,” Trump declared, sparking immediate backlash from progressive circles and LGBTQ+ advocates.
But surprisingly, one voice from the basketball community seemed to nod in agreement. The mother of WNBA sharpshooter Sophie Cunningham posted a short but pointed tweet supporting Trump’s sentiment. While she didn’t expand on it, the online world did the talking for her—dividing fans between support and outrage.
The moment also dragged Olympic leadership into the conversation. Gene Sykes, chair of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, offered a carefully worded response. “As a federally chartered organization, we have an obligation to comply with federal expectations,” he said, dodging the heart of the issue while clearly acknowledging the weight of the federal government’s reach.
Everyone involved, from the athletes, the organizations, and the fans, is waiting to see how this unfolds, as it could change the face of the world’s biggest sports event. A move that appears political at face value, but it raises a question about the new status quo.
Donald Trump Sparks WNBA Player Outrage With Transgender Sports Statement
Not everyone in the basketball world is staying quiet about Donald Trump’s proposal. WNBA guard Natasha Cloud came out swinging after the former president vowed to block trans athletes from participating in women’s sports.
Cloud, known for her activism off the court, posted a firm rebuttal on Twitter: “I’m absolutely going to keep tweeting FACTUAL information. And holding those around me accountable for posting dangerous misinformation. Yes”
It wasn’t the first time Cloud challenged political figures, and likely won’t be the last. Her message was loud and direct, aimed not just at Trump but at the broader spread of narratives that paint inclusion as a threat.
The WNBA has a reputation for speaking out on social issues. And Cloud’s pushback just reinforces the fact that many players can’t stay quiet when external politics mix with the sport.
As Trump continues weaving culture war issues into his campaign, the basketball world finds itself, once again, a battleground for ideological tension. For athletes like Cloud, the response goes beyond politics.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
