Trump Threatens to Block Commanders Stadium Bid Over Name Change

President Donald Trump has threatened to block the Washington Commanders' bid to build a new stadium in Washington DC unless they change their name back to the Washington Redskins. Trump has criticized the team's decision to change its name amid concerns it was a slur against Native Americans. The Commanders plan to build a new stadium on land managed by the US National Park Service.

President Donald Trump has escalated his feud with the Washington Commanders by threatening to block their bid to build a new stadium in Washington DC unless the team reverts to its former name, the Redskins. The threat comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding the team's decision to change its name in 2020, citing concerns that the term "Redskins" is a slur against Native Americans.

Trump's latest post on Truth Social stated, "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" [1]. The Commanders have not responded to requests for comment.

The stadium project is complex, as it involves federal land managed by the US National Park Service. The Commanders plan to build the new stadium on the site of RFK Stadium, which was home to the team for roughly three decades until 1996. The deal is further complicated by the fact that Congress granted the city control over the land for 99 years in January, but city councilors still need to approve the redevelopment plan.

Trump has previously expressed his opposition to name changes in sports teams, including the Cleveland Guardians, who changed their name from the Indians in 2021. He has argued that the changes are not in the best interest of the teams or their fans.

The Washington Commanders changed their name from the Redskins in 2020 after years of criticism regarding their name and logo. The team used the "Washington Football Team" as a temporary placeholder before settling on the Commanders as a permanent name in 2022. The change was partly driven by pressure from key corporate sponsors who threatened to pull their support if the name was not changed.

Trump's threat to block the stadium deal is likely to put pressure on the Commanders to reconsider their name change. However, it remains to be seen whether the team will comply with his demands or seek legal recourse to protect their rights.

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-20/trump-threatens-washington-commanders-stadium-over-name-change
[2] https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/trump-washington-commanders-change-back-to-former-name/
[3] https://www.yahoo.com/news/president-trump-wants-commanders-immediately-150936538.html
[4] https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/3476841/trump-threat-block-commanders-dc-move-change-name-redskins/
[5] https://www.newsbreak.com/thedailybeast-513346/4120893308800-trump-says-great-indian-people-want-nfl-team-name-changed