By Nadia Ntiamoah
U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred fresh controversy by threatening to block the construction of a new stadium for the NFL’s Washington Commanders unless the franchise reverts to its former name—the “Washington Redskins”—a term widely condemned as racist by Native American communities and civil rights groups.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Sunday, President Trump claimed there is “a big clamouring” for the return of the team’s old name and argued that restoring the controversial identity would make the franchise “more valuable.”
He added that he may use his executive powers to restrict federal cooperation or approval for the proposed $3 billion stadium project if his demand is ignored.
“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.”
Name Rooted in Racism
The team formerly known as the Washington Redskins dropped the name in July 2020 after years of mounting pressure from Native American advocacy groups, sponsors, and civil rights organizations. The term “Redskins” was widely regarded as a racial slur against Native Americans.
Amid a broader societal reckoning with racial justice in the wake of the George Floyd protests, team ownership finally agreed to drop the name after decades of resistance.
The franchise briefly played as the “Washington Football Team” during the 2020 and 2021 seasons before adopting the name “Commanders” in early 2022.
The Stadium Dispute
In April 2025, the Commanders reached a deal to construct a new 65,000-seat stadium at the site of the old RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., where the team had played from 1961 to 1997.
The project, which has the support of various local authorities, is still pending final legislative approval by the D.C. Council.
Just last week, Republican leaders called for the council to fast-track the process.
Trump’s intervention now threatens to politicize what was largely seen as a consensus urban redevelopment initiative.
Critics warn that tying the stadium project to a culturally insensitive demand risks inflaming social tensions and undermining decades of progress on racial equity in sports.
Broader Push Against Team Name Changes
President Trump also took aim at Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Guardians—formerly the Cleveland Indians—urging the franchise to revert to its old identity as well.
He claimed that “Our great Indian people, in massive numbers, want this to happen,” suggesting the name change dishonors their heritage.
However, Native American advocacy organizations strongly disagree.
The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) responded earlier this year to such political rhetoric with a firm rebuke.
“These depictions are not tributes—they are rooted in racism, cultural appropriation, and intentional ignorance,” the NCAI said in a public statement.
“They perpetuate harmful stereotypes that degrade, dehumanize, and visit harm on the wellbeing of Native peoples.”
Reactions and Silence
While President Trump’s comments have ignited debate, team officials have thus far avoided confrontation.
Chris Antonetti, President of the Cleveland Guardians, told The Athletic that he is not paying attention to Trump’s remarks.
“I understand there are very different perspectives on the decision we made a few years ago. It’s a decision we made, and we’ve gotten the opportunity to build the brand as the Guardians over the last four years and we’re excited about the future,” Antonetti said.
