The franchise, originally founded as the Boston Braves in 1932, dropped the Redskins name in 2020 amid criticism from Native American groups over its offensive connotations.
Photo : AP
President Donald Trump is stirring the pot with a bold call to bring back the Washington Redskins name, a move that’s sure to spark cheers and jeers alike. In a July 20, 2025, Truth Social post, Trump urged the Washington Commanders to “IMMEDIATELY” revert to their former name, claiming a “big clamour” from fans and Native American communities. He didn’t stop there, also advocating for the Cleveland Indians baseball team to reclaim its original name, stating, “Our great Indian people, in massive numbers, want this to happen.” Trump ended with a directive to team owners: “get it done,” per the New York Post.
The Washington Commanders, a storied NFL franchise, have been down this road before. Founded in 1932 as the Boston Braves by George Preston Marshall, the team became the Redskins in 1933 and moved to Washington, D.C., in 1937. The Redskins name, used for nearly nine decades, faced growing criticism from Native American groups and others for its racially insensitive connotations, leading to its retirement in 2020 during a wave of social justice reforms. After two seasons as the Washington Football Team, the franchise rebranded as the Commanders in 2022, per ESPN. Trump’s latest push, tied to ongoing talks about returning the team to RFK Stadium in D.C., reopens a heated debate.
A Controversial Name and Trump’s Stance
Trump’s call isn’t new. He hinted at his preference earlier in 2025 when asked about leveraging the RFK Stadium deal to restore the Redskins name. While he avoided a direct commitment, he said, “I think it’s degrading to the Indian population and it’s a great population,” claiming Native American supporters “loved that name and they love that team,” per nypost.com. His comments echo a January 2025 interview where he suggested the Redskins name resonated with Native American heritage, though he acknowledged it might be “a little different,” per CBS Sports.
The Redskins name has long been divisive. A 2016 Washington Post poll found 90% of Native Americans were not offended by the name, yet advocacy groups like the National Congress of American Indians argued it perpetuated harmful stereotypes. The 2020 name change followed pressure from sponsors like FedEx and public outcry during racial justice protests, according to ESPN. Trump’s claim of widespread Native American support lacks clear evidence, as no recent surveys corroborate his assertion.