President Donald Trump has intensified his demand for the Washington Commanders to revert their name back to the “Redskins.” He has threatened to impose restrictions on the National Football League (NFL) team’s stadium deal if they refuse, creating a complex situation in the realm of sports and politics.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump declared, “I may put a restriction on them that if they don’t change the name back to the original ‘Washington Redskins,’ and get rid of the ridiculous moniker, ‘Washington Commanders,’ I won’t make a deal for them to build a Stadium in Washington.” This remark underlines his belief that restoring the original name would enhance the team’s value and generate excitement around the proposed deal.
The Commanders have not played in Washington, D.C., since 1997, when they moved to Landover, Maryland. Recently, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and the team announced a plan to bring the Commanders back to the district at the site of the former Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. While Trump previously supported the deal, it currently faces delays in approval from the D.C. Council. Last week, Bowser urged council members to “make moves” on the deal, indicating that the team is eager to return.
Trump expressed willingness to assist in expediting the stadium proposal, stating, “It’s a great piece of property, so we’ll see. But if I can help them out, I would.” He highlighted the federal government’s control over the site, suggesting that his influence could play a role in the negotiations.
In late 2024, Congress passed legislation transferring ownership of the RFK site from the federal government to the district. Trump remarked positively on the team’s ownership, referring to the owner as “very, very successful and a very good man,” emphasizing the potential benefits of having an NFL team in the city.
Earlier in the day, Trump referred to the Commanders as the “Washington ‘Whatever’s’” and urged the owners to “IMMEDIATELY change their name back to the Washington Redskins Football Team.” His recent comments surpassed earlier statements where he acknowledged the controversy surrounding the name change, saying, “It doesn’t have the same ring to me.”
In addition to the Commanders, Trump has also called for the Cleveland Guardians to revert to their former name, the “Indians.” He claimed there is significant support from the “Indian people” for this change, arguing that their heritage is being undermined. “Times are different now than they were three or four years ago. We are a Country of passion and common sense. OWNERS, GET IT DONE!!!” he asserted.
Trump further criticized Matt Dolan, the owner of the Guardians, suggesting that his electoral failures were linked to the name change. “Indians are being treated very unfairly. MAKE INDIANS GREAT AGAIN (MIGA)!” he added, echoing his previous campaign slogan.
The Washington football team officially dropped the “Redskins” name in 2020 due to widespread criticism from Native American groups, who deemed it a derogatory term. Two years later, they unveiled the “Commanders” name. Similarly, the Cleveland baseball team changed its name to the Guardians in 2021, following similar backlash.
As discussions continue around these name changes and potential stadium deals, the implications for team identities and community sentiments remain significant. The evolving landscape reflects broader cultural shifts, particularly in how sports organizations engage with their communities and address historical grievances.