President Donald Trump’s latest comments are already shaking up a stadium deal that was supposed to be routine. On Sunday, in a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump said he might pressure the Washington Commanders to abandon their current name and bring back the team’s old one — the Washington Redskins — as part of ongoing talks to keep the NFL franchise in downtown Washington, D.C.
The posts came without warning. In his first statement, Trump called the Commanders’ name “ridiculous” and said there is a “big clamoring” among fans for the Redskins identity to return. He extended the push to Major League Baseball as well, urging the Cleveland Guardians to return to their former name, the Indians, and saying both teams would be “much more valuable” if they restored their original branding.
Trump calls for Washington and Cleveland to change their names back to the Redskins and Indians. 97% of you agreed both teams should do this in a recent poll I ran on here. pic.twitter.com/d7RTpoq0XF
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) July 20, 2025
That first post went viral within hours, igniting heated reactions and trending hashtags. Trump returned to the platform later in the day to expand on his idea, suggesting he could use his influence over federal elements of the stadium negotiations to apply direct pressure. “I may put a restriction on them that if they don’t change the name back… I won’t make a deal for them to build a Stadium in Washington,” he wrote.
President Trump is right, as usual — changing the Redskins and Indians names was NEVER about real progress. It ERASED history, ignored fans, and gave in to WOKE elites. These names honored tradition and identity. Bring them back! I fully support the President and his stance! pic.twitter.com/3WdbH9BPxY
— Suburban Black Man
(@niceblackdude) July 20, 2025
(@niceblackdude) This potential intervention comes as the Commanders, led by owner Josh Harris, are in complex talks with D.C. leaders and the NFL about redeveloping the old RFK Stadium site. While the site is now under D.C. control, the federal government retains certain oversight powers, and Trump’s message signaled a willingness to use that leverage if the team refuses.
In the background, the name issue itself remains deeply charged. Years ago, the Redskins brand was retired after decades of debate over cultural sensitivity. Since then, the team has operated as the Commanders, and Harris has described the name as fitting for a city with deep military ties. “We’re kind of moving forward with the Commanders name, excited about that, and not looking back,” he said in a recent interview.
But Trump’s comments have reopened a conversation many thought was settled. Supporters of the Redskins identity argue it honored Native American history rather than erased it. Senator Steve Daines of Montana pointed to the Blackfeet tribe’s letter supporting the logo and name, calling it a recognition of a respected Blackfeet chief. “This is honoring Indian Country,” he said.
“PROUD OF THEIR HERITAGE”: Super Bowl champ & @GuardiansNative board member Jason Buck calls on President Trump to restore the Redskins name pic.twitter.com/X1xlW5gpXT
— FOX & Friends (@foxandfriends) July 21, 2025
The Cleveland Guardians are also caught in the debate. Their president, Chris Antonetti, responded to Trump’s remarks by saying the franchise is committed to the Guardians identity it has been building over the last four years. He acknowledged that opinions differ but made clear no reversal is planned.
Behind the public statements and social media posts, high‑stakes negotiations continue. The Commanders’ stadium project could transform part of the nation’s capital, but Trump’s comments hint at new conditions that could change everything.
