Trump to Commanders: Rename or NO Stadium—Make Mascots Great Again?

Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump has reignited a cultural firestorm by threatening to block the Washington Commanders’ $3.7 billion stadium deal unless the team reverts to its former name, widely condemned as a racial slur against Native Americans.

In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “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.” He added that the team’s “heritage and prestige is systematically being taken away.”

The Commanders, who dropped the controversial name in 2020 amid mounting pressure from sponsors and civil rights groups, have shown no interest in reversing course. Team owner Josh Harris stated earlier this year: “The old name can’t come back. We’re embracing the Commanders identity.”

The stadium deal, set to bring the team back to the RFK Stadium site by 2030, was negotiated between the franchise and D.C. officials after Congress transferred control of the land to the city. Trump’s threat has sparked backlash from local leaders, fans, and advocacy groups.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser responded diplomatically: “We should focus on doing our part in D.C. and let the team handle its own affairs.” Residents echoed that sentiment, with many urging Trump to “stay in his own lane.”

The controversy comes as the Commanders prepare to unveil throwback uniforms honoring their Super Bowl-era legacy—without revisiting the name itself. Critics argue Trump’s intervention is politically motivated and distracts from more pressing national issues.

Despite the noise, the team remains focused on its future. As one fan put it: “We’ve moved on. The name change was overdue. Let’s build the stadium and play ball.”