Trump Threatens to Block $3.7 Billion Stadium Over NFL Team’s Name Battle
President Draws a Hard Line on Washington Commanders’ Controversial Rebranding
President Donald Trump is shaking up the sports world by threatening to derail a massive $3.7 billion stadium deal in Washington, D.C.—all over the NFL team’s name. The Washington Commanders, who plan to replace the aging RFK Stadium with a brand-new 65,000-seat arena, face a political roadblock unless they restore their former “Redskins” name.
A Long-Awaited Return to the Capital at Risk
After nearly 30 years playing in Landover, Maryland, the team’s hoped-for homecoming to D.C. by 2030 now hangs in the balance. Trump’s fierce objection to the “Commanders” name could put the entire stadium project in jeopardy.
A Name Change That Still Divides
The team dropped the “Redskins” name in 2020 following criticism it was offensive to Native Americans, briefly going by the Washington Football Team before settling on “Commanders” in 2022. Yet controversy over the change remains a hot-button issue.
On 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 added the team’s value would soar with the original name restored.
Congress Pushes Forward, Urging Speed
Last week, House Oversight Chair James Comer pressed the D.C. Council to fast-track stadium approval, warning that any delays risk losing what would be the largest private investment in the city’s history.
Trump Turns Up the Heat on MLB, Too
Not stopping with football, Trump also called for the Cleveland Guardians to revert to the “Indians” name:
“There is a big clamoring for this,” he claimed. “Our great Indian people want this to happen. Their heritage is being stripped away.”
Teams Stand Their Ground
Despite Trump’s pressure, team leaders remain firm. In February, Commanders’ managing partner Josh Harris said:
“The name Commanders means something now. It represents toughness, grit, and great teammates.”
Cleveland Guardians President Chris Antonetti echoed the sentiment:
“We understand people have different views, but we’ve built a strong brand as the Guardians over the past four years.”
What’s Next for Washington Football?
With RFK Stadium already coming down, the fate of the new arena—and the team’s D.C. return—now hinges on a name dispute that has transformed a simple stadium project into a high-stakes political showdown.