Trump Reaffirms Desire for Washington Commanders to Return to Redskins Name

Trump Calls for NFL and MLB Team Name Reversals

By Lee Jun-ho

October 20, 2023

US President Donald Trump. AP Newsis

President Donald Trump has publicly called for the NFL’s Washington Commanders and Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Guardians to revert to their former team names.

Trump stated on the 20th that the Washington team should reinstate the “Redskins” name, and the Cleveland team should again be known as the “Indians.” both franchises officially changed their names in 2022, a move prompted by concerns that the previous names were offensive and racially insensitive.

However, Trump asserted that this decision was misguided. “The name of the Washington club is to be restored to Red Skins, and our great Indians (natives) want their names again,” Trump declared. He suggested that he would apply pressure to ensure the name changes. Trump further indicated that a failure to revert the names could impact the construction of a new stadium for the Washington club, which is actively planning it’s new home venue.

The Cleveland Guardians organization has responded that it has no plans to change its name. Chris Antoneti, president of the Cleveland club, confirmed, “We have been building a brand called Guardians for the past four years, and it will continue to do so.” The Washington Commanders have not issued an official statement. Though, Josh Harris, who led the acquisition of the Washington club in 2023, previously affirmed earlier this year that the team would continue as the Commanders.

Understanding Team Name Changes

The renaming of sports franchises is often a complex process, reflecting evolving societal norms and a desire to move away from potentially offensive imagery. These decisions typically involve extensive consultation with stakeholders, including fans, players, and relevant community groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Washington Commanders change their name?

The team formerly known as the Washington Redskins changed its name due to criticism that the name was offensive and contained racist meanings.

Why did the cleveland Guardians change their name?

The Cleveland baseball team,formerly the Indians,changed its name to the Guardians to move away from a name considered by many to be a racial caricature.

What was Donald Trump’s stance on the former team names?

Donald Trump expressed a desire for the Washington team to return to the “Redskins” and the Cleveland team to revert to the “Indians.”

Has Josh Harris commented on the Washington commanders’ name?

Yes, Josh Harris, the owner of the washington Commanders, has indicated that the team will continue with the name “Commanders.”

What is the Cleveland Guardians’ official position on their team name?

The Cleveland guardians’ president stated that the organization has been building its brand as the Guardians for four years and intends to continue with that name.

Could stadium construction be affected by team name decisions?

President Trump suggested that a failure to change team names might disrupt stadium construction plans.

What are your thoughts on these team name controversies? Share your opinions in the comments below and let us know if you agree with President Trump’s calls for name changes!

What was the primary reason cited for the Washington Redskins name change in 2020?

The History of the Washington Football Team’s Name Change

The journey of the Washington Commanders’ name has been a long and controversial one. For over 80 years, the team was known as the Washington Redskins – a name widely considered offensive by Native American groups.Pressure mounted for decades, culminating in a meaningful shift in 2020.

July 2020: The team officially retired the Redskins name and logo following protests and sponsorship concerns.

Temporary Name: The team temporarily operated as the Washington Football team while a new name was chosen.

February 2022: The team unveiled its new identity: the Washington Commanders. This change, however, hasn’t been universally embraced by fans.

trump’s Consistent Stance on the Redskins Name

Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly voiced his disapproval of the name change,consistently advocating for a return to the “Redskins” moniker. His latest comments, made on July 21, 2025, during a rally in Pennsylvania, reignited the debate.

Trump stated he believes the original name was “powerful” and “respected,” and that the change was a result of “wokeness” and “cancel culture.” He has previously expressed similar sentiments on his social media platform, Truth Social, and during public appearances. This isn’t a new position; Trump has been a vocal supporter of retaining the Redskins name as the initial calls for change began gaining traction.

Why Trump Supports the Return of the Redskins

Trump’s support appears rooted in a combination of factors:

Nostalgia: He frequently references a perceived “golden age” of American sports and culture, often associating it with customary branding.

Political Messaging: the issue has become intertwined with broader political narratives surrounding cultural sensitivity and perceived overreach of progressive movements.

Fan Base Appeal: A significant portion of the Commanders’ fanbase remains attached to the Redskins name, and Trump’s stance likely resonates with this demographic.

The Current Commanders Ownership & Brand Identity

Josh Harris purchased the Washington Commanders in July 2023, ushering in a new era for the franchise. Harris has publicly stated his commitment to the Commanders brand and has invested heavily in rebranding efforts.

New Logo & Colors: The Commanders adopted a new logo and color scheme,moving away from the Redskins’ traditional imagery.

Stadium Renovations: Plans are underway for significant renovations to FedExField, aiming to improve the fan experience.

Community Engagement: The Commanders association has increased its focus on community outreach and engagement initiatives.

Fan Reaction & Ongoing Debate

The response to Trump’s renewed call for a name change has been predictably divided.

Pro-Redskins Sentiment: A vocal segment of the fanbase continues to advocate for a return to the original name, frequently enough citing tradition and personal connection. Online forums and social media groups dedicated to the Redskins remain active.

Support for Commanders: Many fans have embraced the Commanders identity, viewing it as a more inclusive and respectful representation of the team.

Native American Perspectives: Native American groups continue to express strong opposition to the Redskins name, emphasizing its harmful and offensive nature. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) has consistently condemned the use of the name.

Legal and Branding Challenges of a Potential Rebrand

Even if ownership were inclined to consider a name change, significant hurdles remain:

Trademark Issues: The Redskins trademark was retired, but reclaiming it or securing a similar trademark could be a complex legal battle.

Brand Equity: Rebranding again so soon after the change to the Commanders would likely result in a ample loss of brand equity and marketing investment.

Public Relations Fallout: Another name change would almost certainly trigger another wave of controversy and negative publicity.

NFL Scrutiny: The NFL would likely scrutinize any attempt to reinstate the Redskins name,given its previous stance on the issue.

The Impact of Political Figures on Sports Branding

Trump’s involvement highlights a growing trend of political figures weighing in on sports-related issues. This intersection of politics and sports can be impactful, influencing public opinion and perhaps affecting team decisions.Other examples include:

Colin Kaepernick & National Anthem Protests: The controversy surrounding Kaepernick’s protests sparked a national debate about racial injustice and freedom of speech.

Political Boycotts of Sporting Events: political boycotts have been used to protest various issues, from human rights abuses to goverment policies.

* Athlete Activism: Increasingly, athletes are using their platforms to advocate for social and political change.

Future Outlook for the Washington Commanders Name

While trump’s continued advocacy keeps the debate alive,a return to the