President Threatens Stadium Restrictions for Commanders, Claims “Overwhelming” Native American Backing for Controversial Names

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump sparked a firestorm of debate on Sunday, July 20, 2025, by demanding that the Washington Commanders and Cleveland Guardians revert to their former names, the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians, respectively. In a series of fiery posts on Truth Social, Trump claimed that “massive numbers” of Native Americans support restoring the original names, arguing they reflect cultural pride and heritage. He further threatened to block a $3.7 billion deal for the Commanders’ new RFK Stadium site in Washington, D.C., if the team does not comply.

“The Washington Redskins name was a tribute to the great Native American warriors, and they want it back!” Trump wrote. “Same with the Cleveland Indians, a historic name loved by millions. Native Americans are telling me in huge numbers, ‘We want our names back!’ If Washington doesn’t change from the weak ‘Commanders’ name, I may put restrictions on their stadium deal. Owners, listen to the people and GET IT DONE!”

The Washington Commanders, previously known as the Redskins until 2020, adopted their current name in 2022 after two years as the Washington Football Team. The Cleveland Indians, a franchise dating back to 1915, rebranded as the Guardians in 2021. Both changes followed years of criticism from Native American groups and activists who deemed the former names offensive, with “Redskins” widely criticized as a racial slur.

Trump’s claims of Native American support for reverting to the old names have stirred controversy, with some individuals and groups echoing his sentiments while others denounce them. Eunice Davidson, president of the Native American Guardians Association (NAGA), a nonprofit advocating for Native American representation in sports, praised Trump’s stance. “The Redskins name honored our people, and many of us feel it was taken away without our consent,” Davidson said. “We’ve surveyed over 5,000 Native Americans across 50 states, and 68% want the Redskins name restored. It’s about pride, not politics.”

Similarly, Thomas Whitecloud, a member of the Blackfeet Nation and a former Washington fan, expressed nostalgia for the old name. “Growing up, the Redskins logo was a symbol of strength to me,” Whitecloud said. “I know 20 people in my community alone who agree it should come back. The name Commanders feels like a corporate erasure of our heritage.” NAGA has also pointed to a 2016 Washington Post poll, which found that 90% of Native Americans surveyed were not offended by the Redskins name, though critics argue the poll’s methodology was flawed.

However, opposition remains strong. Crystal Echo Hawk, executive director of IllumiNative, a Native-led advocacy group, called Trump’s remarks “a dangerous step backward.” “The term ‘Redskins’ is a dictionary-defined slur that dehumanizes Native people,” Echo Hawk said. “The Navajo Nation celebrated when Washington changed its name in 2022, and thousands of Indigenous voices have made it clear these names harm our communities. Trump’s claims misrepresent the broader Native sentiment.”

The Navajo Nation, one of the largest Native American tribes, issued a statement reaffirming its opposition to the Redskins name. “Our people fought for decades to retire that name, and we stand by the progress made,” said tribal spokesperson Jared Touchin. “Reverting to it would dishonor our ancestors and our future.”

Trump’s threat to impose restrictions on the Commanders’ stadium deal adds a political dimension to the controversy. The RFK Stadium site, on federal land, was transferred to D.C. control for 99 years in January 2025, but Congress retains budgetary oversight. Trump suggested he could leverage this to pressure Commanders owner Josh Harris, stating, “No Redskins, no stadium deal. Simple as that. The team would be worth billions more with the original name!”

Harris, who bought the Commanders in 2023 for $6.05 billion, has dismissed calls to revert. “The Commanders name reflects our region’s strength and unity,” Harris said in a February 2025 interview. “We’re building a future, not going back.” Cleveland Guardians president Chris Antonetti similarly defended the Guardians name, noting, “Our fans have embraced it, and we’re focused on winning with this identity.”

Trump’s posts also included a jab at Cleveland Guardians owner Paul Dolan, mistakenly claiming he “lost elections” due to the name change, likely confusing him with his son, Matt Dolan, a former minority stakeholder who ran unsuccessfully for Senate in 2022 and 2024. “Indians are being treated unfairly. MAKE INDIANS GREAT AGAIN!” Trump wrote.

The debate has divided fans and Native communities alike. A May 2025 Washington Post-Schar School poll showed 50% of D.C.-area residents and 62% of Commanders fans now support the current name, up from 34% and 36% in 2024. Yet, groups like NAGA continue to rally for the old names, citing petitions with thousands of signatures from Native Americans and fans.

As Trump’s demands gain traction among his base, the Commanders and Guardians face mounting pressure. Whether Native American support for the old names is as widespread as Trump and his allies claim remains contentious, with advocates on both sides preparing for a protracted cultural and political battle. For now, neither team has signaled plans to reconsider their names, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown in the world of sports.