Trump Demands Washington Commanders to Change Team Name

The president wants the team name changed back to the Washington Redskins, threatening to block the new stadium's building project.

President Donald Trump has reignited controversy by urging the Washington Commanders to reinstate their former name, the Redskins, warning he may block funding for a proposed new stadium in Washington, D.C., if they refuse.

The team left Landover, Maryland in 1997 and is planning a $3.7 billion stadium on the old RFK site, set to open by 2030 pending Council approval. The RFK stadium is currently controlled by Events DC, which is operated by the D.C. local government. However, the land in which it sits on is owned by the federal government.

President Trump argues that reverting to the historic name would make the franchise “much more valuable” and taint the stadium deal if it remains the Commanders. He also called on the Cleveland Guardians to reclaim their former name, the Indians, citing tradition and heritage.

Critics emphasize that both team name changes occurred in recent years because the prior names were deemed offensive to Native Americans. Despite Trump’s threats, Commanders owner Josh Harris has affirmed the team’s commitment to its current identity and Guardians officials have similarly dismissed reverting back to any prior names.

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