President Donald Trump is threatening to block a new stadium deal for the Washington Commanders unless the NFL team reverts to its former name: the Redskins.
In a series of Truth Social posts over the weekend, Trump declared his opposition to the rebranding of the once-iconic franchise, insisting the team’s current identity as the “Commanders” is unpopular and has diminished its value and cultural significance.
“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,” Trump wrote. “The Team would be much more valuable, and the Deal would be more exciting for everyone.”
The president also extended the criticism Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Guardians — formerly the Indians — calling for a return to their pre-2021 name and launching a new catchphrase: “MAKE INDIANS GREAT AGAIN (MIGA)!”
Stadium Politics
Trump’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions between the Commanders and D.C. officials about the possibility of a new stadium in the city. While no official agreement has been reached, the Commanders have expressed interest in moving back to the District from their current home in Landover, Maryland.
The implication that his administration would condition support for economic development on a team’s adherence to a traditional name is sure to incite legal and ethical debate.
Cultural Backlash and Ownership Resistance
The “Redskins” name was dropped in 2020 under intense pressure following the George Floyd protests and after longtime stadium sponsor FedEx, led by minority owner Fred Smith, publicly called for change. The team temporarily adopted the “Washington Football Team” before rebranding as the Commanders in 2022.
Current team owner Josh Harris has nodded to the team’s past in terms of aesthetic and history, but has remained firm on keeping the “Commanders” name.
“The Commanders’ name actually has taken on an amazing kind of element in our building,” Harris told Fox News’ Bret Baier earlier this year. “We’re in a military city… we’re kind of moving forward with the Commanders name, excited about that, and not looking back.”
Trump’s Political Strategy
Trump’s push to revive the Redskins and Indians names appears to be a deliberate move to galvanize populist sentiment ahead of the 2026 midterms. By tying the issue to patriotism, tradition, and opposition to “woke” corporate culture, Trump is tapping into a culture war that has divided fans, athletes, and communities for years.
“There is a big clamoring for this,” Trump insisted. “Our great Indian people, in massive numbers, want this to happen. Their heritage and prestige is systematically being taken away from them.”
However, progressive organizations have long called such names offensive and degrading, leading to years of advocacy that ultimately brought about the name changes. These groups argue that names like “Redskins” perpetuate harmful stereotypes and diminish Native identity.
Yet, polling on the issue has consistently shown that many Native Americans are either indifferent to or supportive of the name “Redskins.” A widely cited Washington Post poll from 2016 found that 9 in 10 Native Americans said they were not offended by the name, and a subsequent WPR/PRRI survey in 2022 suggested a similar indifference or acceptance among Native respondents. The data complicates the mainstream narrative that there is broad consensus within Native communities for eliminating such team names.
What’s Next?
Whether Trump enforces his ultimatum remains to be seen. The city of Washington, D.C., as well as local and federal lawmakers, will likely have more immediate control over stadium developments. However, he could influence federal land usage and permitting processes.
Still, for now, the Washington Commanders appear committed to their current branding, leaving fans wondering if nostalgia and political pressure be enough to reverse one of the most visible identity changes in modern American sports.