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In a recent post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump threatened to block the proposed deal for the Washington Commanders' new stadium if the NFL team refuses to return to its previous name.
Trump has publicly requested that both the NFL's Washington Commanders and the MLB's Cleveland Guardians return to their original names: the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians, respectively.
In 2020, the Washington Football Team retired the name "Redskins" after decades of criticism from Native American groups who found it offensive. In 2022, the team officially adopted the name Washington Commanders. Similarly, in 2021, the Cleveland baseball team changed its name from "Indians" to "Guardians" after concerns related to racial stereotypes.
Trump's Criticisms
Through his Truth Social platform, Trump has argued that these changes were unnecessary and, without offering evidence, claimed that Native Americans would support a return to the previous names. According to the president, the current names diminish the commercial value of both teams.
For his part, Guardians president Chris Antonetti dismissed Trump's comments, making it clear that the organization is focused on its future under its current name.
Stadium Deal Faces Delays
The Washington Commanders are currently based in Landover, Maryland, and in April 2025 announced an agreement with DC Mayor Muriel Bowser to return to the historic site of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. This plan requires DC Council approval but has faced delays. Public hearings are scheduled for July 29, 2025.
Trump suggested that the stadium deal for the Washington Commanders could be jeopardized if the team doesn't restore its former name. Still, the president's influence over this project is questionable. Current team owner Josh Harris has said the Washington Commanders name will not change.
The Names Will Not Change
Both Washington and Cleveland continue to move forward with their new brand identities and remain focused on future growth under their current names. For now, these debates seem to serve more as political issues than actual decisions in the sports world.
Critics argue that the old names perpetuated harmful stereotypes, while defenders claim they honored heritage and tradition. Despite Trump's threats, both teams have made it clear they have no plans to reverse their decisions.
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