5 Shocking Facts About Sophie Cunningham’s “MAGA Barbie” Nickname And Her True Political Stance

The connection between WNBA star Sophie Cunningham and former President Donald Trump is not a formal political endorsement but a media-fueled controversy rooted in social media activity and a polarizing nickname. As of late 2024, the narrative surrounding the professional basketball player—who recently joined the Indiana Fever—has shifted from her impressive on-court performance to intense public speculation about her political leanings. This deep dive, using the most current information available in December 2025, explores the facts behind the "MAGA Barbie" label, her alleged pro-Trump stance, and her recent attempts to set the record straight on her political identity.

The intense scrutiny highlights the increasingly political environment surrounding the WNBA, where players' personal views are often magnified and debated online. Cunningham’s career, which includes setting significant records at the University of Missouri, has become intertwined with a broader cultural conversation about politics, sports, and celebrity.

Sophie Cunningham: Complete Professional Biography and Profile

Sophie Elizabeth Cunningham is an American professional basketball player known for her tenacity and scoring ability. Her career has been marked by record-breaking collegiate success and a solid tenure in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).

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• Full Name: Sophie Elizabeth Cunningham
• Date of Birth: August 16, 1996
• Place of Birth: Columbia, Missouri, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
• Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
• College: University of Missouri (Mizzou)
• Mizzou Career Highlights: Finished as Mizzou's all-time leading scorer (2,187 points) and all-time leader in free throws made (537).
• WNBA Draft: Selected 13th overall in the 2019 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury.
• WNBA Teams: Phoenix Mercury (2019–2024), Indiana Fever (2025–Present)
• Current Team: Indiana Fever (as of the 2025 season).

The Origins of the "MAGA Barbie" Nickname and Trump Speculation

The public perception that Sophie Cunningham is a staunch Donald Trump supporter, often summarized by the controversial nickname "MAGA Barbie," did not originate from a direct quote or formal political rally appearance. Instead, it was fueled by a series of social media interactions and a few key visual posts that were interpreted by fans and critics as explicit endorsements of the Republican party and the "Make America Great Again" movement.

The Infamous Red Hat Photo

One of the most viral incidents that cemented the perception was a photo Cunningham posted on Instagram. In the snap, she was wearing a simple red baseball cap. While the hat itself was not explicitly a "MAGA" hat, the color, combined with the political climate and her perceived conservative leanings, was enough for many online users to label it as a subtle nod to the Trump campaign. This single image appalled many fans and ignited widespread speculation about her political stance.

The Kamala Harris Meme

Another piece of evidence frequently cited by those who believe Cunningham is a pro-Trump supporter is an instance where she shared a meme that appeared to mock Vice President Kamala Harris. Although she has never spoken openly about her political views, this shared content during her time with the Phoenix Mercury was enough to solidify the narrative for many WNBA fans, who often lean progressive. The combination of the meme and the red hat created a powerful, though potentially misleading, narrative.

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Allegations of Locker Room Tension

The speculation about Cunningham’s political views has reportedly extended beyond social media and into the professional environment. Reports surfaced in October 2024 suggesting that her alleged pro-Trump stance might have caused locker room tension, particularly following comments made by other WNBA players like Natasha Cloud, who are often more outspoken on social justice and political issues. This reported internal friction further amplified the public interest and division regarding her political identity.

Sophie Cunningham Sets the Record Straight on Political Moderation

In a move to address the persistent and often divisive rumors, Sophie Cunningham publicly clarified her political affiliation. She directly confronted the "MAGA Barbie" nickname, acknowledging its existence but firmly rejecting the extremist label it implies.

A Politically Moderate Stance

Cunningham asserted that she is, in fact, "right in the middle" when it comes to her political views. She clarified that she is politically moderate, a statement designed to distance herself from the staunchly conservative or "MAGA" image that had been assigned to her by the media and online critics. This clarification is a crucial piece of current information, fundamentally changing the narrative from a clear Trump supporter to a more nuanced, centrist figure.

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WNBA's Internal Political Climate

Cunningham's need to clarify her stance underscores the unique political atmosphere within the WNBA. The league is known for its players’ outspoken advocacy on social justice, racial equality, and progressive politics. In this environment, any perceived deviation toward conservative or Republican viewpoints—especially one linked to Donald Trump—is often met with intense scrutiny and backlash from both fans and peers. Her move to the Indiana Fever, where she is now a teammate of one of the league's biggest stars, Caitlin Clark, has only increased the spotlight on her personal life and political leanings.

The controversy surrounding Sophie Cunningham and Donald Trump is a modern example of how digital footprints and vague social media posts can be weaponized to create a public persona. While the evidence for her being a staunch Trump supporter is circumstantial—a red hat, a meme, and a nickname—her recent, explicit statement of political moderation provides the most current and authoritative answer to the speculation. Her focus remains on her career with the Indiana Fever, but the "MAGA Barbie" label, for better or worse, has become an indelible part of her public narrative.