Trump Threatens to Block Commanders' Stadium Deal Unless They Change Name Back to 'Redskins'

2025-07-21 00:00:40.144

President Donald Trump intensified his call for the Washington Commanders to reinstate their former name, "Redskins," on Sunday. He threatened to impede the NFL team's stadium agreement if they don't comply, although his ability to do so remains unclear. Trump's statement on Truth Social indicated that he might restrict the stadium deal unless the name is changed. He believes the team would be more valuable and the deal more appealing with the original name. The Commanders relocated to Landover, Maryland, in 1997, but a deal was announced in April to return them to Washington D.C. at the site of the old Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. Trump initially supported the deal, but its progress before the D.C. Council is currently stalled. Mayor Muriel Bowser urged the Council to expedite the process, noting the Commanders' eagerness. Public testimony hearings on the stadium redevelopment plan are scheduled for July 29. Trump previously expressed willingness to assist if the Council rejects the deal, citing the federal government's ultimate control over the RFK site. Congress passed a bill in late 2024 transferring ownership of the RFK site to the district's government. Trump praised the Commanders' owner and expressed confidence in the stadium's potential success. Earlier in his Sunday posts, Trump referred to the team as the "Washington 'Whatever's'" and demanded an immediate name change. While acknowledging the controversy surrounding the Redskins name, Trump previously suggested that winning could make the Commanders name acceptable. Trump also pressured the Cleveland Guardians to revert to their former name, "Indians," claiming that Native Americans desire the change. He argued that times have changed, and the current names disregard the heritage and prestige of Native Americans. Trump linked the Guardians' name change to the Cleveland owner's electoral losses, suggesting a name change could improve his chances. The Washington team dropped the "Redskins" name in 2020 due to criticism from Native American groups who considered it an ethnic slur. The Cleveland team changed its name in 2021 for similar reasons. CNN reached out to both teams and the D.C. mayor's office for comment.