In the ongoing conversation about team names in the NFL, former President Donald Trump has reignited the debate over the Washington Commanders’ current moniker, expressing his desire for the team to revert to the “Redskins.” Trump’s comments were made on his Truth Social platform, where he indicated that he might impose restrictions on a stadium deal for the team should they fail to change back to their original name. He argued that a return to the “Redskins” branding would enhance the team’s value and excitement surrounding their potential new stadium.
The Commanders have been out of the D.C. area since 1997, relocating to Landover, Maryland. However, plans are underway to bring the team back to Washington, with a deal proposed to redevelop the site of the former Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has been actively advocating for this move and has encouraged the City Council to take action on the redevelopment plan. Despite early promise for the deal, progress seems to have stagnated, which raises questions about the future of the franchise in the capital.
Last week, Bowser voiced concerns about the pending negotiations, noting that “the Commanders are anxious” for a resolution. The City Council is set to hold public hearings regarding the stadium project, with the first session scheduled for late July. Trump has previously expressed willingness to assist in moving the deal forward, asserting, “It’s a great piece of property, so we’ll see.”
In addition to his focus on the Commanders, Trump turned his attention to the Cleveland Guardians, advocating for a name change back to the “Indians.” He claimed that many “Indian people” support this return to the former identity, tapping into his view that societal attitudes are shifting. “Times are different now than they were three or four years ago,” he stated, arguing that the heritage of Native Americans is at stake.
While the discussion surrounding the Commanders and the Guardians highlights a broader cultural conversation about team names and their implications, it’s important to remember that both franchises have undergone changes in their branding as societal awareness around issues of representation has evolved. The Washington football team made the decision to step away from the “Redskins” name in 2020, while the Cleveland franchise adopted the Guardians label in 2021, both in response to criticism surrounding the use of racially insensitive names.
As teams continue to navigate their identities in this evolving cultural environment, the dialogue initiated by Trump and others reminds us that the intersection of sports, culture, and identity remains a complex and contentious field. The future of these names may ultimately hinge on how teams balance market demands, historical legacy, and cultural sensitivity moving forward.
