President Donald Trump issued a direct challenge Sunday to two major sports franchises, threatening to block a new stadium deal for the NFL’s Washington Commanders unless the team restores its former name, the Washington Redskins.
In a series of public statements, Trump also urged MLB’s Cleveland Guardians to revert to their historic “Indians” name, describing both changes as misguided capitulations to political correctness.
Trump’s comments come as the Commanders organization continues discussions with D.C. officials about constructing a new stadium on the RFK Stadium site—land that was federally controlled until Congress transferred it to the city in December 2023. The team has not yet secured a deal for the project, which would require significant federal coordination.
In a morning social media post, Trump declared: “Times are different now than they were three or four years ago. We are a Country of passion and common sense. OWNERS, GET IT DONE!!!” Hours later, he escalated his position, stating that unless the Commanders re-adopt the Redskins name, “I won’t make a deal for them to build a Stadium in Washington.”
Trump framed the potential rebranding as beneficial for all parties, claiming it would increase the team’s value and public excitement. “The Team would be much more valuable, and the Deal would be more exciting for everyone,” he wrote.
The president also criticized the Cleveland Guardians, specifically targeting Matt Dolan, a minority owner and Ohio Republican political figure. Trump linked the team’s name change to Dolan’s electoral losses, stating, “If he changed the name back to the Cleveland Indians, he might actually win an Election.” Trump added: “MAKE INDIANS GREAT AGAIN (MIGA)!”
Matt Dolan has lost two U.S. Senate primaries in Ohio, including the 2024 race against Trump-backed Bernie Moreno. His brother, Paul Dolan, is the primary owner of the Guardians.
In response, Guardians President Chris Antonetti said the team remains committed to its current branding. “We’ve gotten the opportunity to build the brand as the Guardians over the last four years and we’re excited about the future that’s in front of us,” he told The Athletic.
The Washington Commanders have not formally responded to Trump’s remarks. The team's name was changed in 2020 following pressure from sponsors and activists during a national reckoning over racial and cultural symbolism. Cleveland followed in 2021 with a similar move.