In a bold move, former President Donald Trump has stated he could halt the proposed $3 billion stadium deal for the Washington Commanders unless the NFL team reverts to their old name, the "Redskins." In a recent Truth Social post, Trump highlighted a perceived demand for the change and asserted it would boost the team's value.
The Commanders phased out the "Redskins" name following socio-political backlash in 2020, which deemed it racially insensitive. They briefly used "Washington Football Team" before adopting the "Commanders" label in 2022.
The potential new stadium, projected to seat 65,000 fans, would be built at the former site of RFK Stadium, which served as the team's home from 1961 to 1997. As the DC Council hurries to finalize approvals, Trump's comments add an unexpected twist to the negotiations.
He stated, "If they don't change the name back to the original Washington Redskins and eliminate the ridiculous Washington Commanders moniker, I won't support their stadium deal."
In addition, Trump previously urged the Cleveland Guardians, formerly the Indians, to revert to their past name, claiming it is demanded by many Indigenous supporters. Guardians' team president Chris Antonetti responded, emphasizing their commitment to the new brand.
The National Congress of American Indians has criticized such political endorsements of 'Native-themed' mascots, reinforcing the stance that these representations are rooted in stereotypes and cultural appropriation. With ongoing discussions, the fate of the Commanders' name – and potentially their new stadium – hangs in the balance.
