Trump Thr**tens to Block $3.7 Billion Stadium Over NFL Team’s Name
President Draws Line Over Washington Commanders Name
President Donald Trump is thr**tening to block a $3.7 billion stadium deal in Washington, D.C., unless the Washington Commanders revert to their former name, the Redskins. The new 65,000-seat venue is set to replace the derelict RFK Stadium, which housed the team from 1961 to 1997.
Long-Awaited Return to D.C. at Risk
The team has played in Landover, Maryland, since leaving RFK nearly 30 years ago but hopes to return to the capital by 2030. However, Trump’s objection to the team’s name change could jeopardize the deal entirely.
A Name Change That Still Sparks Controversy
The team dropped the Redskins name in July 2020 after it was deemed offensive to Native Americans. They temporarily rebranded as the Washington Football Team before adopting “Commanders” in 2022.
On Sunday, July 20, Trump posted on Truth Social:
“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.”
He also argued the team would be “more valuable” under its former name.
Congress Pushes Stadium Plan Forward
Just last week, House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer urged the D.C. Council to speed up approval of the stadium project. He warned that delays could threaten the largest private investment in the city’s history.
Trump Expands His Campaign to MLB
Trump didn’t stop with the NFL. In another Truth Social post, he called on the Cleveland Guardians to revert to their former name, the Indians.
“There is a big clamoring for this,” he claimed. “Our great Indian people want this to happen. Their heritage is being stripped away.”
Team Leaders Reject Name Reversal
Despite Trump’s pressure, both teams remain firm. In February, Commanders managing partner Josh Harris dismissed any talk of changing the name:
“The name Commanders means something now. It represents toughness, grit, and great teammates.”
Meanwhile, Cleveland Guardians President Chris Antonetti responded:
“We understand people have different views, but we’ve built a strong brand as the Guardians over the past four years.”
What Comes Next?
With demolition of the old RFK Stadium underway, the future of the new arena—and the Commanders’ return to D.C.—hangs in the balance. Trump’s ultimatum adds a political twist to what was supposed to be a straightforward sports development project.
