President Donald Trump issued a direct warning to the Washington Commanders on Sunday, July 20, 2025, stating he may obstruct the team’s plans to return to Washington, D.C., unless they revert to their previous name, the Washington Redskins. This message was conveyed through multiple detailed posts on Truth Social, where Trump also urged MLB’s Cleveland Guardians to return to their former “Indians” name.
In his Truth Social posts, Trump wrote, “I may put a restriction on them that if they don’t change the name back to the original Washington Redskins and get rid of the ridiculous moniker, Washington Commanders, I won’t make a deal for them to build a stadium in Washington.” This statement pertains to the team’s $3.8 billion stadium project at the former RFK Stadium site.
In April, the Commanders declared they had reached an agreement with the District of Columbia to develop the 420-acre RFK Stadium site. The project encompasses not only the stadium but also housing, green space, and a sports complex. The team’s investment is projected at $2.7 billion, with the city contributing approximately $1.1 billion.
The franchise retired the “Redskins” name in 2020 following widespread criticism of its racial insensitivity towards Native Americans. The team temporarily operated as the Washington Football Team before adopting the Commanders name in 2022. The previous name had been used since 1933.
Commanders owner Josh Harris has firmly opposed reverting to the former name. In August, Harris stated that the old name cannot return “for obvious reasons.” Earlier this year, he noted that the Commanders’ name is now accepted by the team, culture, and coaching staff, and emphasized their commitment to the current identity.
In January, the federal government transferred administrative control of the RFK Stadium land to the District of Columbia through legislation signed by former President Joe Biden. This provision was part of a short-term spending bill passed by Congress in December. However, the project has faced challenges at the local government level, with the D.C. City Council missing an important deadline to vote on the site’s development.
The extent of Trump’s influence on the stadium project remains uncertain. While D.C. residents elect local officials for day-to-day governance, Congress retains control over the city’s budget. This oversight might provide potential avenues for federal intervention in the development.
The legislation formalizing the stadium agreement is set for public hearings later this month. The D.C. City Council is under significant public pressure concerning the project’s costs and housing priorities, potentially complicating the development timeline.
Trump’s criticism extends to other teams that have changed names recently. He specifically targeted MLB’s Cleveland Guardians, urging them to revert to their former “Indians” name. The Guardians officially adopted their new name before the 2022 season, shortly after discontinuing use of the “Chief Wahoo” logo.
Chris Antonetti, president of the Guardians, responded to Trump’s comments without directly naming him. Antonetti acknowledged differing opinions on the name change decision made several years ago but emphasized the organization’s four-year effort to build the Guardians brand and their enthusiasm for the future.
The Commanders have not publicly addressed Trump’s Truth Social posts or his ultimatum concerning the stadium development. The team remains focused on navigating the complex approval process for their return to Washington, D.C., after years of playing in suburban Maryland.
Both the Commanders and Guardians changed their names and logos following sustained criticism that the previous identities were offensive and racist toward Native Americans. The transitions involved significant rebranding efforts, including extensive fan engagement and marketing campaigns to establish new identities.
The stadium project signifies a potential return to the franchise’s former home, as the team played at RFK Stadium for over three decades before relocating to suburban Virginia. The development represents a significant step in reconnecting with their Washington, D.C. fanbase and establishing a permanent presence in the nation’s capital.
