"That's why you have Title IX. That's why you have some of the greats in women's sports," said Cunningham.
Cunningham expressed concern over the long-term future of female athletic opportunities if existing structures are weakened.
"If Title IX and women's sports weren't protected, then you wouldn't hear about any type of women in sport.
And so, I think in the future, it's just really important to protect," said Cunningham.
When questioned about potential negative impacts on transgender athletes, Cunningham rejected allegations of animosity toward the community.
"But I'm also there to love biological women, and I think that there are rights that need to be protected," said Cunningham.
She maintained that expressing her opinion does not equate to hostility toward transgender individuals.
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"And, like I said, I'm gonna stand true to that. I'll never falter in my beliefs in that.
But I have never once stated that I hated the trans community," said Cunningham.
Regarding political labels, Cunningham dismissed claims linking her to specific political factions.
"I'm very much in the middle. I agree with things on both sides, disagree with things on both sides.
And that's all I've ever said about my political beliefs. But people love to assume," said Cunningham.
In response to the growing public discussion, the White House issued a statement defending Cunningham's right to speak on the topic.
"Men should not be playing in women's sports. It's completely ludicrous that anyone could support that," said Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary.
