Trump Demands Commanders Return to Old Name, Dismissing Racism and Reigniting Controversy

July 21, 2025

President Donald Trump has called for the Washington Commanders NFL team to revert to its former name "Redskins," a term widely considered a slur against Indigenous people, and threatened to block stadium funding if the change isn't made. Trump also demanded that Cleveland's baseball team return to its former "Indians" name from its current "Guardians" identity. Both teams' owners have firmly rejected these suggestions, with Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris previously stating "the name was changed, and it's not going back.

Who is affected

Indigenous/Native American communities who have historically been harmed by the racial slur
Washington D.C. residents, particularly Native and Black communities
Washington Commanders organization and ownership
Cleveland Guardians baseball organization
Sports fans and the broader public engaged in conversations about racial justice
Corporate sponsors previously involved in pushing for the name change

What action is being taken

President Trump is demanding the return of former team names and threatening to block funding for RFK Stadium
Team owners are firmly rejecting Trump's demands to revert to former names
Washington Commanders ownership is maintaining its position against returning to the controversial name
Cleveland Guardians management is continuing to build their new brand identity
Indigenous rights advocates are continuing to speak out against racist terminology

Why it matters

The team name controversy represents a broader national conversation about race, identity, and power, particularly significant in Washington D.C. as the nation's capital. The former "Redskins" name was condemned for decades as a harmful racial slur by Indigenous leaders, civil rights advocates, and scholars. Trump's call to return to the old name contradicts years of progress made through activism and advocacy that finally resulted in the name change in 2020. In a city where residents have fought for representation, dignity, and respect, the team's identity carries significance beyond sports and reflects ongoing struggles against racism, bigotry, and historical erasure.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer