President Donald Trump Admits Washington Should’ve Never Abandoned ‘Redskins’ Name

Donald Trump has once again commented on the Washington Commanders' renaming controversy, iterating his previous comments.

President Donald Trump Admits Washington Should’ve Never Abandoned ‘Redskins’ Name

Donald Trump (Image via Imago)

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The current President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, has taken a keen interest in American football as compared to his predecessor. He had utilized the endorsements of several NFL figures during his presidential campaign and continued to do so since his election to the office.

The septuagenarian business mogul even attended the Super Bowl and hosted the winners at his office. He has now chipped in on one of the most popular debates in the world of American football.

In an interview with Sarah Fortinsky of The Hill, the controversial public figure admitted that he believes the Washington Commanders should not have rebranded. The President has previously made similar claims when he claimed that the old name had heritage.

The Commanders were established in 1932 as the Boston Braves and adopted the Redskins name a year later. The name, believed to have originated from a tribute to their coach William Lone Star Dietz, who was part Sioux, has long been considered a slur and an offensive remark against Native Indians. The Commanders removed the name in 2020 and remained the Washington Football Team for two seasons before adopting the current brand.

You want me to make a controversial statement? I would. I wouldn’t have changed the name. It just doesn’t have the same — it doesn’t have the same ring to me.

However, Trump made a striking admission. The Redskins name, although controversial and highly offensive, is associated with Super Bowl wins, five conference championships, and numerous playoff appearances. The Commanders, in three seasons, only came into some success recently with a brand new coaching team and a new rookie quarterback.

Donald Trump admitted that despite his wishes regarding the new name, he would be happy if they started winning. He noted that “winning can make everything sound good.”

In 2024, a poll conducted by the Washington Post revealed that a considerable chunk of people aren’t fond of the new “Commanders” moniker. However, the poll also revealed that despite the indifference, people do not want to return to the old name. Additionally, new owner Josh Harris has claimed that the name has been well received by the team, culture, and coaching staff while noting that they are continuing with the Commanders’ brand.

Name controversy aside, the Commanders may still need backing from Donald Trump for the RFK Stadium revival

In late April, the District of Columbia announced their interest in redeveloping the RFK stadium into an entertainment district with 65,000 seating capacity. The $3.7 billion investment project would be instrumental in bringing the NFL back to Washington. The Commanders currently play at the Northwest Stadium in Maryland, which is a 30-45 minute drive from the city center.

Northwest Stadium
Northwest stadium in Landover, Maryland (Image via The Washington Post)

The recent project is right along the Anacostia River. What’s the holdup, if one may ask? The Washington mayor, Muriel Bowser, wants the DC Council to pitch in $1.1 billion of the total 3.7. The council is currently waiting for three more studies, which delay the team and the mayor’s plan to open the site by 2030.

A direct involvement from the president can accelerate approval for matters that might otherwise remain pending until later in the year. In an interview with Mark Seagraves of NBC 4 Washington, Donald Trump admitted that he will pitch in and help to bring the NFL to Washington.

We’ll see what happens… It’s a very important piece of property, it’s a great piece of property, so we’ll see, but if I can help them out, I would. Ultimately, we control that. The federal government ultimately controls it, so we’ll see what happens. I saw the plans, I saw the stadium, the owner is very, very successful, and a very good man, I know him a little bit, and it would be a great place for the NFL to be there.

Donald Trump told Mark Segraves of NBC 4 Washington

The 2030 deadline, apart from the obvious reasons, also can pave a way for the city to host the 2031 FIFA Women’s Soccer World Cup. USA, being one of the powerhouses in Women’s soccer, has strong takeaways from the same.

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