Former President Donald Trump recently stirred up a storm regarding the Washington Commanders' new stadium, threatening to block the £3bn deal unless the team reverts to its original name, the Redskins. In a post on Truth Social, he claimed there is a "big clamouring" for the change, suggesting it would add value to the team.
The Commanders dropped the Redskins name in 2020 due to its racist connotations, rebranding as the Washington Football Team before officially becoming the Commanders in 2022. Currently, plans are in motion to build a new 65,000-seater stadium at the historic RFK Stadium site.
Trump, who made headlines earlier this year as the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl, seems to advocate for a return to old names, having previously suggested the Cleveland Guardians should revert to their former name, the Indians.
The National Congress of American Indians has publicly opposed such views, stating these name changes are crucial to ending harmful stereotypes and promoting respect for Indigenous culture. They emphasize that these discussions aren't just about branding; they touch on deeper societal issues of racism and representation. The Washington Commanders have yet to comment on Trump's statements.
