Trump Pushes Hard for Redskins and Indians Names — But Does It Make Sense Today?
On a Sunday filled with social media fireworks, former President Donald Trump dialed up his campaign to bring back old sports team names that have been dropped amid cultural shifts. Specifically, he zeroed in on the Washington Commanders, urging them to ditch their current name and revert back to the infamous “Redskins.” And that’s not all — Trump also turned his sights on the Cleveland Guardians, calling for a return to their former “Indians” moniker.
But what’s really going on here? Is this just nostalgia, political posturing, or something deeper? And how realistic is it that these name changes will actually happen? Let’s break it down.
Trump’s Bold Threat: No Stadium Deal Without Redskins Name Return
First off, Trump didn’t just suggest bringing back the Redskins name; he went full throttle by threatening to block the team’s stadium deal in Washington, D.C., if they don’t comply.
“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. The Team would be much more valuable, and the Deal would be more exciting for everyone,” Trump declared on Truth Social.
Now, here’s the catch — it’s not exactly clear how Trump would wield this kind of power, especially since the stadium project involves local and federal authorities as well as private developers. But that hasn’t stopped him from throwing his weight around.
A Stadium Saga: From RFK to Landover and Back Again
The Washington football team moved out of D.C. and into Landover, Maryland, back in 1997. However, a plan to bring the team back to D.C. has been in the works, centered around the redevelopment of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium site. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Commanders announced a deal in April aiming to build a new stadium there.
Trump, who touted the deal when it was announced, has since made it clear he’s willing to intervene if the D.C. Council stalls or rejects it. Last week, Mayor Bowser urged the council to “make moves” on the deal, noting that the Commanders are “anxious” to get things moving.
Trump chimed in: “It’s a great piece of property, so we’ll see. But if I can help them out, I would. … The federal government ultimately controls it.”
The Politics of Team Names: Why Change Them at All?
This brings us to the core question: Why did these teams change their names in the first place?
The Washington Redskins dropped their name in 2020 after decades of criticism that it was a racial slur against Native Americans. The Cleveland Indians faced similar pressure, leading to their rebrand as the Cleveland Guardians in 2021.
These changes were part of a broader cultural reckoning as brands and sports franchises reexamined the use of Native American imagery and names considered offensive or stereotypical.
Yet, Trump argues that “times are different now” and claims that many Native Americans actually want the old names back.
“Our great Indian people, in massive numbers, want this to happen. Their heritage and prestige is systematically being taken away from them,” he said in a Sunday post. “We are a Country of passion and common sense. OWNERS, GET IT DONE!!!”
The Controversy Surrounding the ‘Redskins’
The name “Redskins” was long defended by the team and some fans as a proud tradition. But Native American groups and advocacy organizations have consistently pushed back, labeling the term as offensive and hurtful.
Even the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office canceled the Redskins’ trademarks in 2014, ruling the term disparaging. After years of protests, the team finally retired the name and logo in 2020 and rebranded as the Commanders two years later.
Despite Trump’s enthusiasm, many see the “Redskins” name as a painful reminder of historical racism rather than a beloved tradition.
Cleveland’s Guardians: A New Chapter?
Similarly, Cleveland’s baseball team faced decades of criticism for the “Indians” name and the associated mascot, Chief Wahoo, which was widely seen as a racist caricature.
The team announced the name change to “Guardians” in 2021 to better represent the city’s history and to move away from the problematic imagery.
Trump, however, claimed that Matt Dolan, a key figure in the Guardians’ ownership family, “has lost three elections in a row because of that ridiculous name change.” He suggested that reverting back to “Indians” might improve Dolan’s political fortunes.
Political Overtones and Real-World Impact
Trump’s vocal stance on these names fits into his broader political style—he thrives on stirring debate and appealing to segments of his base that feel alienated by recent cultural changes.
His slogan twist, “MAKE INDIANS GREAT AGAIN (MIGA),” echoes his famous “Make America Great Again” rallying cry, using sports team names as a proxy battleground for culture war issues.
What’s Next? The Power of Owners and the Fans
So, will the Washington Commanders or the Cleveland Guardians change their names back? It’s highly doubtful.
The decisions to rebrand involved careful consideration by the teams, sponsors, Native American groups, and the public. Changing back would likely reignite controversy and alienate many fans and corporate partners.
Owners have the final say, but they also have to think about business realities, public relations, and community impact.
Key Points to Remember
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Trump threatened to block the stadium deal for the Washington Commanders unless they change their name back to the “Redskins.”
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The team left D.C. in 1997 but plans to return with a new stadium at the old RFK site are in progress, pending approval by the D.C. Council.
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The Redskins and Indians names were dropped due to longstanding criticism of racial insensitivity and offensive imagery.
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Trump claims that many Native Americans want the old names back, a point disputed by advocacy groups and many in those communities.
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The political angle behind these statements is tied closely to Trump’s style and his support base.
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Owners have to balance nostalgia and tradition against social responsibility and market trends.
In Conclusion: Tradition or Progress?
This debate over sports team names isn’t just about nostalgia or political posturing — it taps into deeper questions about identity, respect, and how society evolves.
Whether you side with Trump’s call to “bring back tradition” or support the name changes as steps toward inclusivity, it’s clear that these sports franchises are more than just teams; they are cultural symbols that reflect America’s ongoing conversation about history, respect, and progress.
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