Donald trump drops a bombshell: demands return of Redskins and Indians while threatening stadium deal in Washington

Donald Trump has once again lit the fuse on a debate many thought was settled. This time, it’s about the historic names of two major American sports franchises. Through his social media platform Truth Social, the president called for the Washington Commanders and Cleveland Guardians to revert to their original names—Redskins and Indians. Both were retired in 2020 and 2021 respectively due to their offensive connotations toward Indigenous communities.

According to As, Donald Trump argued that the name changes have “damaged the legacy and prestige” of Native peoples. He also claimed there’s a “popular outcry” to reverse the decision. “Our great Indigenous people, in large numbers, want this to happen,” Trump wrote in all caps, appealing to national pride and common sense.

Controversy with a threat attached

But Donald Trump didn’t stop at words. He warned that if the Commanders don’t return to the Redskins name, he won’t support the deal to build a new stadium in Washington. The project, which aims to redevelop the site of the old RFK Stadium, has been backed by team owner Josh Harris, local officials, and the NFL. Still, the president suggested the team would be “more valuable” if it reclaimed its original identity.

President Trump now says he will consider blocking the #Commanders stadium deal at the RFK site if the organization does not revert back to its Redskins name. https://t.co/T0IUWej7wg pic.twitter.com/jdNErWjkpI

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 20, 2025

In Cleveland’s case, Donald Trump also took aim at team owner Matt Dolan. He claimed Dolan has lost three consecutive elections since the team dropped the Indians name. The president even coined the slogan “MAKE INDIANS GREAT AGAIN (MIGA),” echoing his familiar campaign rhetoric.

Franchises respond with caution

Despite Donald Trump’s arguments, both franchises have responded cautiously. Josh Harris reaffirmed that the Commanders name “has gained momentum within the team” and that there are no plans to reverse it. Meanwhile, Chris Antonetti, president of baseball operations for the Guardians, stated that the organization is committed to its new identity and excited about the future.

President Trump posted again today, calling for the Washington Commanders to revert back to their former name, the Redskins. pic.twitter.com/BNPFgAiUAW

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 20, 2025

It’s important to note that the name changes were part of a broader national cultural reckoning. They were driven by social movements that criticized the use of racist stereotypes in sports institutions. While the decisions sparked both support and backlash, they were backed by sponsors, activists, and community leaders.

With this latest push, Donald Trump once again places sports at the heart of political and cultural debate. And while the teams stand firm, the president seems intent on turning these names into campaign symbols. Whether change comes or things stay as they are remains to be seen.