Barack Obama encourages Caitlin Clark ahead of WNBA All-Star Game: 'Don't let all this nonsense get you down'

While she is a bona fide star in the WNBA, controversy comes with life as a star for Caitlin Clark. Former U.S. President Barack Obama made sure to let the Indiana Fever star know she was doing a great job and not to "let all this nonsense get you down."

The Fever had a difficult start to the season, but have recently picked it up and lead the East with a 17-10 record.

Situations both on and off the court have wiggled their way into Clark's life as a star, and she's been forced to deal with more than anticipated.

Here's what the former U.S. president said to the three-time WNBA All-Star.

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What did Barack Obama say to Caitlin Clark?

While Clark was gearing up for the weekend after receiving her third straight All-Star nod, Obama spotted her off to the side of her practice at the Obama Presidential Center and walked toward her for an embrace and chat. The cameras were rolling, and they were able to capture the encounter between the former U.S. president and Clark.

Here's a look at the pair's conversation:

Obama’s advice to Caitlin Clark 🥹 pic.twitter.com/QjJVoTKU3I

"You’re fantastic. Don’t let all this nonsense get you down," Obama said. "One of the things that was luckiest for me was, I didn’t get famous until I was like 45."

The 44th U.S. President continued, saying, "I mean, you’re my daughters' age... so don’t lose that joy…and you’re a hooper.”

Clark played it humble, simply giving an “I try sometimes.”

“No," Obama said, before posing for a picture with the Fever star. "You’re always hooping, and you’re on a nice little run.”

The sharpshooter later spoke about what the conversation meant for her, including the situation being a bit nerve-wracking yet "super cool."

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What did Barack Obama mean by 'this nonsense'?

It's not exactly clear what Obama meant by "this nonsense." However, every action from Clark and her Indiana WNBA team has been under a magnifying glass this season. Recently, the Fever star spoke out against threats made toward Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas.

During the teams' bout on July 9, Thomas was originally not called for making contact with Clark's throat. The call was eventually reviewed, and Thomas was suspended. Thomas accepted the punishment but said she and her teammates were being harassed.

Earlier this week, one of Clark's teammates, Sophie Cunningham, gave her stance on transgender women who were born as biological men playing women's sports. The quote has since gone viral, and Cunningham backed her original stance.

Along with those recent debacles, Clark was just issued her seventh technical foul of the 2026 season. If she gets one more for the rest of the season, she will be subject to a one-game suspension and fine.

MORE: Why did Fever player Sophie Cunningham receive backlash this week?

Does Barack Obama have a favorite WNBA team?

It's unclear whether or not Obama has a favorite WNBA team. He was a member of the Senate in Illinois, so a potential choice is the Chicago Sky.

Along with that, he could easily choose the Washington Mystics as the local team in D.C., where he lived during his time as the 44th U.S. president.