In a bold statement that has stirred up significant discourse, Donald Trump has threatened to obstruct a major deal for the Washington Commanders' new stadium unless the team reverts to its former name, the Redskins. The former president took to Truth Social on Sunday, claiming that there is "a big clamouring" for the name change and arguing that it would enhance the team's overall value.
The Commanders, an NFL team, officially changed their name from the Redskins in July 2020 following a public outcry regarding its perceived racist implications towards Native Americans. During the 2020 season, the team was temporarily branded as the Washington Football Team before settling on the Commanders in 2022.
In April, a plan was put in place for the construction of a new £3bn stadium, designed to accommodate 65,000 fans, on the historic site of RFK Stadium, which served as the team's home from 1961 until 1997. Recently, the DC Council has been urged to expedite the approval process for the stadium development by prominent Republican leaders.
Trump's post sparked immediate discussions. "I may impose a restriction that if they don't revert back to the Redskins name and dismiss the Washington Commanders moniker, I won't support their stadium project," he stated. He believes that reverting to the old name would make the franchise "more valuable" and the deal more appealing.
Earlier this year, Trump made history as the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl, witnessing the Philadelphia Eagles' victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. He has also expressed similar sentiments regarding the MLB's Cleveland Guardians, suggesting they change their name back to the Indians. "Many of our great Indian people want this to happen," he remarked, insinuating that their cultural identity is being compromised.
In response, Guardians team president Chris Antonetti remarked that he isn't overly concerned with Trump's comments, acknowledging the diversity of opinions surrounding the name change that occurred back in 2021.
Moreover, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) released a statement denouncing political support for unsanctioned Native-themed mascots, emphasizing that such representations are rooted in racism and cultural appropriation. "They perpetuate harmful stereotypes that undermine the dignity and well-being of Native peoples," the statement asserted.
PulseWire has reached out to the Washington Commanders for their perspective on the matter, as the story continues to evolve amid broader discussions regarding racial identity in sports.
The Commanders, an NFL team, officially changed their name from the Redskins in July 2020 following a public outcry regarding its perceived racist implications towards Native Americans. During the 2020 season, the team was temporarily branded as the Washington Football Team before settling on the Commanders in 2022.
In April, a plan was put in place for the construction of a new £3bn stadium, designed to accommodate 65,000 fans, on the historic site of RFK Stadium, which served as the team's home from 1961 until 1997. Recently, the DC Council has been urged to expedite the approval process for the stadium development by prominent Republican leaders.
Trump's post sparked immediate discussions. "I may impose a restriction that if they don't revert back to the Redskins name and dismiss the Washington Commanders moniker, I won't support their stadium project," he stated. He believes that reverting to the old name would make the franchise "more valuable" and the deal more appealing.
Earlier this year, Trump made history as the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl, witnessing the Philadelphia Eagles' victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. He has also expressed similar sentiments regarding the MLB's Cleveland Guardians, suggesting they change their name back to the Indians. "Many of our great Indian people want this to happen," he remarked, insinuating that their cultural identity is being compromised.
In response, Guardians team president Chris Antonetti remarked that he isn't overly concerned with Trump's comments, acknowledging the diversity of opinions surrounding the name change that occurred back in 2021.
Moreover, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) released a statement denouncing political support for unsanctioned Native-themed mascots, emphasizing that such representations are rooted in racism and cultural appropriation. "They perpetuate harmful stereotypes that undermine the dignity and well-being of Native peoples," the statement asserted.
PulseWire has reached out to the Washington Commanders for their perspective on the matter, as the story continues to evolve amid broader discussions regarding racial identity in sports.
