Vice President JD Vance addressed the national attention on Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham.
During an interview on Fox News’ “Ingraham Angle,” Vance was asked about Cunningham and her new followers and critics after she made a public stand for the protection of women’s sports.
“Look, sometimes when you’re courageous in this country, some of the worst people in the world will try to attack you. What I would tell Sophie and anybody is to keep speaking your mind. You actually are inspiring a dozen people for every person that criticizes you,” Vance said.
WHITE HOUSE DEFENDS WNBA STAR SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM AFTER SHE SPEAKS OUT IN SUPPORT OF PROTECTING WOMEN’S SPORTS
JD Vance and Sophie Cunningham (Getty Images)
“We cannot take our country back; we cannot save the United States of America unless you have people of courage who are speaking their mind. The thing about courage is it’s contagious. When you see one person – even if they have the mob come after them – one person speak their mind in a courageous and honest way, it inspires a lot of people to do the same. So I would tell Sophie to keep going.”
Cunningham’s public stance on the issue has prompted rallies at the Fever’s last three games, with two more rallies scheduled for their game in Chicago against the Sky on Saturday, and their game in New York against the Liberty on Aug. 22.
FEVER SHUT DOWN SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM QUESTIONS, ABRUPTLY END PRESS CONFERENCE
The rallies have thrust the entire WNBA into the national debate over the issue of trans athletes in women’s sports, as four coaches have gone on record with statements about the issue since the rallies began.
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Meanwhile, the Fever, currently navigating a crucial stretch of their 2026 campaign following a hard-fought 108-100 loss to the Lynx on Aug. 2, have largely attempted to shield their locker room from the national conversation.
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Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham reacts to game action against the Portland Fire during the first half at Moda Center in Portland, Ore., on July 31, 2026. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The Fever now look ahead to a high-stakes matchup against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces on Thursday, before their weekend clash with the Sky, as another rally in support of Cunningham is set to take place at that game.
