On July 20, 2025, former President Donald Trump ignited a firestorm with a statement urging the Washington Commanders and Cleveland Guardians to revert to their former names, the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians, respectively. Posted on Truth Social, Trump claimed “massive numbers” of Native Americans support the old names, arguing they honor Indigenous heritage. He threatened to block a $4 billion deal for a new Commanders stadium in Washington, D.C., unless the team reverts to “Redskins,” calling the current name “ridiculous.” He also suggested Cleveland’s name change cost minority owner Matt Dolan three elections, proposing “Make Indians Great Again (MIGA).”
The Washington Redskins dropped their name in 2020 amid pressure from Native American groups and sponsors, who deemed it a racial slur. The team became the Commanders in 2022. Similarly, the Cleveland Indians rebranded as the Guardians in 2021, citing cultural insensitivity. Both teams have rejected reverting, with Commanders owner Josh Harris and Guardians president Chris Antonetti emphasizing their commitment to current identities.
Trump’s claims lack evidence. A 2016 poll found 90% of Native Americans unbothered by “Redskins,” but critics, including the National Congress of American Indians, argue such surveys misrepresent broader Indigenous opposition. The stadium threat, tied to federal land, is legally uncertain and contradicts Trump’s prior support for the deal. His reference to Matt Dolan confuses him with owner Paul Dolan, and no data links Dolan’s election losses to the name change.
The statement has polarized fans. Some on X praise the call to restore tradition, while others condemn it as ignoring Native American concerns. The debate underscores ongoing tensions over cultural sensitivity and sports heritage.
Source: The Hill
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