President Donald Trump announced Sunday that he may pressure the Washington Commanders to return to their historic Redskins name—tying the change to ongoing stadium negotiations in the nation’s capital.
Trump posted on Truth Social that if the team refuses to bring back the Redskins name, he may withhold support for their proposed new stadium at the old RFK site in Washington, D.C.
“The Washington ‘Whatevers’ should IMMEDIATELY change their name back to the Washington Redskins Football Team. There is a big clamoring for this,” Trump wrote.
Commanders Could Lose Stadium Deal
Hours later, Trump doubled down, saying his post had “blown up in a very positive way” and confirmed he’s considering placing conditions on the stadium deal.
“If they don’t change the name back… I won’t make a deal for them to build a Stadium in Washington,” he said.“The Team would be much more valuable, and the Deal would be more exciting for everyone.”
The stadium site was transferred to local control under the RFK Campus Revitalization Act, signed by President Biden earlier this year, but Trump has cited residual federal authority and his role in the negotiations.
Trump to Cleveland: “Make Indians Great Again!”
The president also targeted the Cleveland Guardians, formerly the Cleveland Indians, calling out owner Matt Dolan for his losing political record.
“Matt Dolan has lost three Elections in a row because of that ridiculous name change,” Trump wrote.“If he changed the name back to the Cleveland Indians, he might actually win an Election. Indians are being treated very unfairly. MAKE INDIANS GREAT AGAIN (MIGA)!”
Cleveland’s front office dismissed the idea. Team president Chris Antonetti said they have “no plans” to revisit the name change.
Native American Leaders Back Trump
Support for restoring the Redskins name isn’t just coming from Trump. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) pointed to widespread support from Native leaders—including the Blackfeet Nation, whose current chairman and tribal council have endorsed returning to the name and logo.
“This is honoring a Blackfeet chief who was born in Montana,” Daines said.“The irony is that they canceled Native American culture in the name of DEI. This went way too far.”
Team Owner Resists, But Pressure Grows
Commanders owner Josh Harris has so far resisted another rebrand, claiming that the “Commanders” identity is catching on inside the organization and in D.C.’s military-connected community.
“We’re kind of moving forward with the Commanders name and not looking back,” Harris told Fox News’ Bret Baier.
