The commanders hold their ground against Donald Trump’s political blitz as stadium plans shake

Playoffs are on the horizon, but the Washington Commanders are facing an unexpected challenge off the field. While the franchise celebrates its first postseason berth since 2020 with a promising 10–7 record, a high-profile controversy has stormed back into the spotlight. The team’s name. And this time, the one throwing a deep pass is none other than Donald Trump.

Through social media, Donald Trump demanded that the Commanders drop their current name and return to the retired “Redskins,” claiming it’s more authentic and traditional. His threat goes beyond just rhetoric. According to outlets like EssentiallySports, Donald Trump warned that if the name isn’t changed, he will withdraw support for the new stadium project—valued at $3.7 billion.

Key details

Here’s the key point: Donald Trump doesn’t hold legal authority over the Commanders’ stadium, nor over their name. The land slated for the new venue (the former RFK Stadium site). Was already transferred to Washington, D.C. by the federal government after President Joe Biden signed a bill into law in December 2024. Although Congress still has influence over the city’s budget, the final decision on naming and urban development rests primarily with local leaders.

“When I’ve talked to #Commanders people about this over the last couple of years — every time I go to them, it’s like, ‘We haven’t even discussed that, that’s not even something that we would bring up.'”

– @AlbertBreer on the discussion surrounding the Commanders’ name change. pic.twitter.com/cbqolcTUiW

— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) July 21, 2025

And the Commanders aren’t budging. Team owner Josh Harris, alongside key figures like Mark Clouse and Adam Peters, have made it clear that the name “Commanders” is not up for discussion. According to NFL reporter Albert Breer, the organization isn’t even considering a return to the former name. “It would be like reopening a problem they worked hard to overcome,” said Breer. Referencing the social pressure that led to the name change in 2020.

A closed chapter for the franchise

The name “Redskins” was dropped after decades of protests from Native communities. Surveys showed more than 50% of Indigenous respondents considered it deeply offensive. For the franchise, that chapter is already closed.

On the other hand, Donald Trump’s press secretary insisted. “The president was serious,”. And emphasized that sports are one of his passions. But while politics tries to play on sports turf, the Commanders seem to be sticking to their own playbook—and that means moving forward, not backward.

 

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Despite delays in commercial development and public hearings surrounding the stadium, the plan to return to the District is still active. And even as the noise grows louder, the Commanders know you don’t gain yardage by looking over your shoulder.