Teams Changed Names Over Racism Controversy... Trump Warns of Consequences if Not Reversed

Washington Redskins Renamed as Commanders in 2020
Trump Pressures for Name Reversal, Citing Stadium Construction Issues

President Donald Trump has argued that the names of the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL) and the Cleveland Guardians of Major League Baseball (MLB) should be changed.

On July 20 (local time), President Trump wrote on the social media platform Truth Social, "The Washington 'Whatevers' should immediately revert their name to the Washington Redskins," adding, "Many Native American people want this." The Washington Commanders changed their team name in 2020 from the former "Redskins" after criticism that it contained racially discriminatory connotations against Native Americans. The team then used the temporary name "Washington Football Team" before officially adopting the name Washington Commanders in 2022.

President Donald Trump of the United States. Photo by Reuters

President Trump also warned, "If they do not get rid of the ridiculous name 'Washington Commanders,' their stadium construction in Washington could be restricted." The Commanders plan to build a new stadium on the site of the Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) Memorial Stadium in downtown Washington. Last year, the U.S. Congress transferred management authority of the site to the Washington city government, so if President Trump were to intervene in the land transfer over the team name, it could be considered an abuse of authority.

President Trump also mentioned the Cleveland Guardians, formerly known as the Indians, another team that changed its name due to concerns about discrimination against Native Americans. He said to the team, "It is different now from three or four years ago," and insisted, "The owners should restore the original name." The "three or four years ago" he referred to is interpreted as the period when calls for "Political Correctness" were growing louder.

Cleveland Guardians right fielder Nolan Jones (22) catches a ball hit by Detroit Tigers center fielder Parker Meadows during a game held at the home stadium on the 5th. Photo by Reuters

Both teams are in an awkward position as they face pressure to change their names again. According to the Washington Post, a poll conducted in May showed that 50% of Washington-area residents and 62% of Commanders fans preferred the new team name. These figures are significantly higher than last year's survey, in which 34% of residents and 36% of fans expressed a favorable opinion. On the same day, Cleveland Guardians President Chris Antonetti emphasized, "The decision to change the team name was ours, and we have built the 'Guardians' brand over the past four years," adding, "We will continue to do so in the future."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.