- • Trump demands the Washington Commanders return to the “Redskins” name or risk stadium deal collapse
- • Cleveland Guardians also targeted by Trump, blaming name change for owner’s election losses
- • Poll shows 58% of D.C. fans disapprove of “Commanders” name; team leadership defends rebrand
President Donald Trump renewed his push on Sunday for two major professional sports teams — the Washington Commanders of the NFL and the Cleveland Guardians of MLB — to revert to their previous Native American-inspired names. In two separate posts on Truth Social, Trump demanded that both franchises restore what he called their “original” identities, suggesting political and financial incentives may hinge on compliance.
Trump first declared, “The Washington ‘Whatever’s’ should IMMEDIATELY change their name back to the Washington Redskins Football Team,” arguing that “our great Indian people, in massive numbers, want this to happen.” He also stated that the Cleveland Indians, renamed in 2021, should follow suit and abandon the “Guardians” moniker, calling the current name “ridiculous.”
Why It Matters
Trump’s comments reignite a long-simmering cultural debate surrounding team identities rooted in Native American iconography. The Washington Redskins name was retired in 2020 under public pressure, eventually rebranded as the “Commanders” in 2022 under former owner Dan Snyder. That move came amid national conversations about systemic racism and cultural appropriation.
While some fans have called for a return to tradition, numerous Native American advocacy groups and corporate sponsors had argued that the term “Redskins” was racially insensitive. According to The Washington Post, a 2024 poll showed that 58% of fans in the D.C. region disapprove of the “Commanders” name, with only 16% wanting to keep it.
Background: The Name Changes
After more than 80 years as the “Redskins,” Washington played two seasons as the “Washington Football Team” before settling on “Commanders.” Josh Harris, who took over team ownership in 2023, has stood by the rebranding, saying it reflects modern values and team unity. “The name represents toughness, great football skills, and strong teamwork,” Harris said at a press event in February 2025, according to ESPN.
Similarly, Cleveland’s baseball franchise made the controversial switch to the “Guardians” in 2021, ending a century-long era under the “Indians” name. The change came after extensive consultation and a desire to better reflect the city’s values. The new name pays homage to the “Guardians of Traffic” statues on Cleveland’s Hope Memorial Bridge.
Political Undertones
Trump’s comments also appeared to take aim at Matt Dolan, the Cleveland Guardians’ owner and a recent Republican Senate candidate in Ohio. “The Owner of the Cleveland Baseball Team, Matt Dolan, who is very political, has lost three Elections in a row because of that ridiculous name change,” Trump wrote. Trump implied that reversing the name could boost Dolan’s political prospects, saying, “He might actually win an Election.”
What’s Next?
The push to return to historical names may gain some political and public attention, but neither the NFL nor MLB has shown any intention of reversing course. Legal, branding, and cultural factors would make such a move extremely complex and controversial. Harris has emphasized honoring the legacy of the team with throwback uniforms and alumni engagement, while maintaining a forward-facing brand.
For Cleveland, the Guardians’ rebrand has largely taken hold, despite lingering opposition. The organization has leaned into the city’s civic pride, with updated logos and storytelling that connects past and present.
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