President Trump is threatening to block the Washington Commanders’ proposed new stadium deal unless the team changes its name back to the Washington Redskins.
The Commanders are currently pursuing plans to construct a new stadium in Washington, D.C., but the project requires approval from various government entities.
On Sunday evening, Trump posted on Truth Social:
“My statement on the Washington Redskins has totally blown up, but only in a very positive way. 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.
The Team would be much more valuable, and the Deal would be more exciting for everyone. Cleveland should do the same with the Cleveland Indians.
The Owner of the Cleveland Baseball Team, Matt Dolan, who is very political, has lost three Elections in a row because of that ridiculous name change.
What he doesn’t understand is that 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)!”
Earlier that day, Trump also reiterated his view that both franchises should restore their original names:
“The Washington ‘Whatever’s’ should IMMEDIATELY change their name back to the Washington Redskins Football Team. There is a big clamoring for this.
Likewise, the Cleveland Indians, one of the six original baseball teams, with a storied past. Our great Indian people, in massive numbers, want this to happen.
Their heritage and prestige is systematically being taken away from them. Times are different now than they were three or four years ago. We are a Country of passion and common sense. OWNERS, GET IT DONE!!!”
The Washington Redskins officially retired their name and logo in July 2020 amid pressure from activist groups who argued the branding was offensive to Native Americans. The team used the temporary name “Washington Football Team” during the 2020 and 2021 seasons before unveiling the “Washington Commanders” rebrand on February 2, 2022.
