Donald Trump is threatening to obstruct a new stadium agreement for Washington’s NFL team unless it reinstates its previous name, the Redskins, which many deem offensive to Native Americans.
On Sunday, Trump expressed that he also wants Cleveland’s baseball team to revert to its old name, the Indians, claiming there is significant demand for this change as well.
The Washington Commanders and Cleveland Guardians have been using their current names since the start of the 2022 season, and both teams have stated that they do not intend to revert to their former names.
Trump asserted that the Commanders would hold “much more value” if they went back to their old name.
On his social media platform, Trump commented: “I may put a restriction on them that if they don’t change the name back to the original ‘Washington Redskins,’ and get rid of the ridiculous moniker, ‘Washington Commanders,’ I won’t make a deal for them to build a Stadium in Washington,”
His renewed focus on name changes showcases a larger attempt to reverse decisions made after a nationwide discussion regarding cultural sensitivity and racial justice. Washington decided to abandon its previous name and logo in 2020 as part of a larger reckoning with systemic racism and police violence.
