President Donald Trump has issued a strong ultimatum concerning the Washington Commanders’ proposed return to Washington, D.C., demanding the franchise revert to its previous name, the “Redskins.” Trump stated on Truth Social that if the team doesn’t reverse its rebranding, he would put up a “restriction” on negotiations for a $3.7 billion stadium project at the RFK Stadium site.
This project, first agreed upon in April between team owner Josh Harris and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, involves a plan where the Commanders would contribute $2.7 billion toward the stadium and $1 billion into adjacent development for retail, housing, and mixed-use space. The stadium is projected to open in 2030.
While Trump framed the name reversal as a way to restore tradition and increase the team’s “value and excitement,” opponents argue the use of “Redskins” is a racial slur against Indigenous peoples—a term retired in 2020 amid nationwide protests and pressure from sponsors.
Trump posted that a restriction will be imposed on facilitating the stadium deal unless the Commanders rebrand as the Redskins. Though Trump has limited direct authority under the District’s home‑rule laws, he hinted at using federal oversight to block or stall approval without Congressional intervention. Trump also urged the Cleveland Guardians (formerly Indians) to revert their name, suggesting broader political implications for sports rebranding.
The Commanders’ ownership, led by Josh Harris, stated in early 2025 that the “Commanders” name is here to stay. Mayor Bowser dismissed the threat, asserting D.C. has won control of the RFK land and will move forward regardless of Trump’s statements. D.C. Council members described Trump’s comments as “noise,” emphasizing that the authority to greenlight the project lies with local lawmakers, not the executive branch.
Congress transferred control of the RFK site to the District in January, meaning future stadium development only needs DC Council approval—not presidential sign-off. Trump would require Congress to overturn or amend that legislation to effectively block the deal—an unlikely scenario given bipartisan passage last year.
Indigenous rights organizations have consistently opposed the “Redskins” name as racist and dehumanizing. A 2020 University of Michigan survey found nearly half of Native Americans consider the term offensive, rising to 67 percent among those more connected to their communities.
The Commanders rebranded in 2022 after dropping the “Football Team” placeholder used in 2020, opting for a name free of controversy and aligned with modern values. Any delay or federal interference could jeopardize regional investments, city development plans, and NFL scheduling—including hosting major events like the Women’s World Cup or NFL Draft. This confrontation raises questions about presidential influence in local sports or cultural decisions—even when authority is legally limited.
Trump is expected to continue pressuring via social media and may seek Congressional support. The Commanders are likely to maintain the “Commanders” branding and proceed with stadium plans. D.C. officials are pushing the deal through a council vote scheduled late July, ignoring external distractions. There are no current moves expected in Congress to reinvoke federal land control.
Approval from the D.C. Council is anticipated imminently—with hearings slated for July 29–30. As land control rests with the District and not the White House, Trump faces minimal practical pathway to halt the project unilaterally.
Trump’s threat is a high-profile cultural flashpoint, aimed at reviving debates around controversial team names. However, the legal groundwork for the stadium project is firmly in D.C.’s hands, with local officials largely brushing aside presidential interference. Unless Congress steps in, this storyline is likely to remain political theater—but with very real stadium timelines and symbolic stakes continuing forward.
About the Author
