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Actually, the President has targeted two sports teams over their name changes.
Actually, the President has targeted two sports teams over their name changes.
What is happening?
US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Sunday to pressure the NFL-team Washington Commanders into reverting to their old name—the Redskins.
If they do not change the name back, Trump threatens to block the team’s proposed new stadium deal in Washington, D.C..
“Commanders” Called a “Ridiculous Moniker”
Trump criticized the current name, calling it “ridiculous,” and argued that the team would be more valuable and the stadium deal “more exciting” if they went back to the original Redskins branding.
Stadium Plans Stalled Despite Initial Momentum
Although the Commanders and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced plans in April to return the team to the old RFK Stadium site, the proposal is currently stalled in the D.C. Council. Public testimony hearings are set to begin on July 29.
Trump Offers to Step In If Council Doesn’t Act
Earlier this month, Trump said he’d be open to helping move the stadium plan forward if the D.C. Council failed to do so.
“If I can help them out, I would,” he said according to CNN, noting the federal government’s involvement in the site’s ownership.
Praising the Team’s New Owner
Trump commended the Commanders’ new owner, Josh Harris, calling him “very successful and a very good man,” and stated the team’s return to D.C. would be “a great place for the NFL to be.”
From “Whatever’s” to “Redskins”
Earlier Sunday, Trump referred to the team as the “Washington ‘Whatever’s’” and doubled down on calls for an immediate name reversal to “Redskins Football Team.”
Cleveland in the Crosshairs too
Trump also targeted the Cleveland Guardians, urging them to return to their old name, the Indians.
He claimed Native Americans supported the old branding “in massive numbers”.
Culture War Over Team Names
Both name changes—the Redskins in 2020 and the Indians in 2021—followed years of protest from Native American groups over the use of ethnic stereotypes.
Trump, however, insisted “times are different now” and said such changes are eroding heritage.
Accusing Political Fallout from Cleveland Name Change
Trump claimed Matt Dolan, whose family owns the Guardians and who has run unsuccessfully for office, suffered electoral losses due to the name change.
He suggested changing it back could help him win.
“MIGA”: Trump’s New Rallying Cry
Capping off his weekend commentary, Trump coined a new slogan: “MAKE INDIANS GREAT AGAIN (MIGA),” borrowing from his familiar MAGA branding.
