Donald Trump's 2022 comments about recruiting LeBron James for a women's basketball team have reappeared online. The video surfaced as the WNBA faces an intensifying debate over transgender athletes in women's sports.
The controversy began when Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham said she wants to protect young girls from biological men in competition. Cunningham said young girls should not have to go against biological men when playing sports.
Several high-profile figures in the league have distanced themselves from her stance. Liberals have condemned her, while a number of conservative commentators have offered their support.
Trump speech resurfaces
During a 2022 speech at the America First Policy Institute, the former president said he would be the greatest women's basketball coach in history. Trump said he prefers Michael Jordan over James, but would still approach James to join his team.
"LeBron, did you ever have any desire to be a woman? Because what I'd love you to do is star on my team that I'm building up," Trump said in the speech.
Trump claimed he would build the greatest team in history and that they would never lose. He said nobody would come within 70 points of his team, adding that people need to make it acceptable to talk about the issue.
Trump seized on transgender issues as he campaigned for a second White House term in 2024. He vowed to punish doctors who provide gender-affirming care to minors.
Just months after being re-elected, Trump signed a series of executive orders. The orders block biological males from competing in female sports at schools, colleges and universities across America.
Protests and clashes
Every Indiana game since Cunningham made her remarks has seen both pro and anti-transgender protests inside and outside the arena. On Sunday, protesters on each side of the debate clashed outside the building.
Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve made her opinion known during her team's game against Indiana on Sunday. Reeve wore a shirt reading 'Trans Kids Belong' and was seen in an animated discussion with Cunningham at the side of the court.
Indiana superstar Caitlin Clark was involved in a testy exchange with a reporter after being asked about her teammate. Following a 108 to 100 loss, Clark shut down two reporters who quizzed her about the situation.
"I think, for us, it's not really a discussion we really have in our locker room," Clark told a packed media room. "I think it's for leagues and the governing bodies to work with their athletes to find solutions, but our focus is on basketball."
Clark said the team only talks about basketball and how they can get wins. She noted that the Fever obviously did not do that on Sunday night.
Ten million dollar offer
The WNBA is yet to comment on the remarks from Cunningham. The recently signed collective bargaining agreement between the league and its players' association states that only players who are women are eligible to play.
Outkick founder Clay Travis offered 10 million dollars to the Las Vegas Aces if the WNBA champions can beat a high school boys team. He said the bid would demonstrate the physical differences between men and women.
Travis also claimed he is prepared to call the bluff of left-wing critics and launch his own all-transgender WNBA franchise. Julie Tetart, a six foot three inch transgender French basketball star, has already expressed an interest in joining the league.