President Donald Trump has sparked a backlash from numerous Native American advocacy organizations after urging the Washington Commanders to revert to their former name, “Redskins”, and threatening to block a proposed stadium deal in Washington, D.C. if the team refused.
Trump posted his demands on Truth Social, claiming there was a widespread desire, including among Native American communities, to bring back the old team names—also urging the Cleveland Guardians to reinstate the moniker “Indians”. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed that Trump was serious, characterizing the change as popular among sports fans and positioning him as a president who takes direct action for what he perceives as public sentiment. Trump tied his demand to progress on the long-delayed $3.7 billion stadium plan at the RFK site, which already has local approval but awaits final Congressional and D.C. Council consent.
Native American Response: Firm Rejection
Major Native-led organizations swiftly condemned Trump’s statements. The Association on American Indian Affairs issued a strong condemnation, emphasizing that mascots such as the term “Redskins” reduce Indigenous peoples to caricatures and undermine tribal sovereignty and cultural dignity. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) reaffirmed its decades-long stance that such mascots are deeply offensive. NCAI President Mark Macarro called reviving the old name “an affront to Tribal sovereignty” and emphasized a continued demand for respect and self-determination.
While the Native American Guardians Association (NAGA) has supported Trump’s position, calling opposition to the name change “cancel culture,” these views remain controversial and are not representative of broader Indigenous advocacy groups.
Historical Context and Misleading Polls
The name Redskins was retired by the team in 2020 following years of mounting criticism from advocates and sponsors. The team played as the Washington Football Team before adopting the “Commanders” name in 2022. Trump and his allies have cited polls from 2004 and 2016 claiming that 90% of self-identified Native Americans were not offended by the term. However, later academic studies by the University of Michigan and UC Berkeley in 2020—a more rigorous and representative sample—found that 49% of respondents considered the name offensive, rising to 67% among those strongly identified with tribal culture.
Moreover, Native-led activist communities frequently challenge the validity of those earlier polls, highlighting methodological flaws and concerns about misrepresentation and exclusion of authentic tribal voices.
Stadium Politics and Trump’s Leverage
Trump’s intervention coincides with debates over the relocation of the Washington NFL franchise to a new stadium at RFK in D.C. While the local deal, worth over $3.7 billion, has mayoral backing and local approval, federal oversight and Congressional authority over the District mean Trump might attempt political leverage if he issues formal restrictions or pressure. However, city leaders, including D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, have largely dismissed Trump’s threats, urging focus on local governance and regulatory completion unaffected by partisan interference.
The team’s current owner, in place since 2023, has repeatedly affirmed a commitment to retaining the Commanders name and resisting attempts to return to past branding.
Broader Cultural Significance
The controversy underscores the persistent tension around the use of Native American names and imagery in sports branding. Many advocates consider such names derogatory artifacts of colonialism. For instance, journalist Troy Littledeer, a citizen of the Keetoowah Cherokee, described “Redskins” as a racial slur rooted in dehumanizing historical violence, and accused Trump of exploiting the issue to distract politically from Indigenous perspectives. The American Indian Movement, among others, has actively campaigned against such mascots for decades, considering them harmful caricatures that reinforce stereotypes.
Conclusion
Trump’s attempt to pressure sports team branding to revive the “Redskins” name has met unanimous rejection from major Native American organizations. The name was rightfully retired in 2020 after sustained criticism, and robust academic research has since demonstrated that many Indigenous individuals view it as offensive and harmful. While fringe groups like NAGA advocate for reinstatement, the broader native-led consensus insists on respect, cultural autonomy, and the removal of caricaturing mascots. Trump’s threats tied to stadium development have prompted limited institutional response, but local officials and team leadership show strong resistance. The episode highlights enduring cultural battles over identity, representation, and whose voices prevail in decisions that affect Indigenous dignity and sovereignty.
