Trump Threatens to Block Washington Commanders’ Stadium Deal Over Name Change

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to derail a $4 billion deal to build a new stadium for the Washington Commanders at the site of the former RFK Stadium unless the NFL team reverts to its previous name, the “Redskins.” In a series of posts on Truth Social on July 20, 2025, Trump called the current name “ridiculous” and claimed a “big clamoring” exists to restore the original name, which was dropped in 2020 after decades of criticism from Native American groups for being a racial slur.

Details of the Threat
Trump 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.” He argued the team would be “much more valuable” with the old name, adding that the deal would be “more exciting for everyone.” The Commanders, who played at RFK Stadium from 1961 to 1996 before moving to Landover, Maryland, reached an agreement with D.C. officials in April 2025 to return to the capital by 2030 with a new 65,000-seat stadium. The plan, still pending D.C. Council approval, follows Congress transferring control of the RFK site from the federal government to the District in January 2025.

Context and Controversy
The team changed its name to the Commanders in 2022 after a two-year period as the “Washington Football Team,” prompted by pressure from Native American organizations, advertisers, and fans who deemed “Redskins” offensive. Trump also called for the Cleveland Guardians baseball team to revert to their former “Indians” name, claiming without evidence that “our great Indian people, in massive numbers, want this to happen.” Cleveland’s team president, Chris Antonetti, dismissed the suggestion, stating the Guardians are focused on building their brand since the 2021 name change. Commanders owner Josh Harris, who purchased the team in 2023, has repeatedly affirmed the team will not revert to the old name, saying in February 2025 that the issue is settled.

Trump’s Influence and Limitations
Trump’s ability to block the stadium deal is unclear, as the RFK site’s control was transferred to D.C. under a bill signed by President Joe Biden in January 2025. However, Congress retains oversight of D.C.’s budget, giving Trump potential leverage. He has also expressed a broader desire to increase federal control over the District, stating in February, “I think we should take over Washington, D.C.” Some fans and groups like the Native American Guardians Association support reverting to the old name, citing tradition, but major Indigenous organizations, including the National Congress of American Indians, oppose it as harmful.

Developing Story
The D.C. Council is set to hold public hearings on the stadium plan starting July 29, 2025, with Mayor Muriel Bowser urging swift approval. Trump’s intervention has reignited a cultural debate many considered resolved, adding uncertainty to the Commanders’ plans. For updates, visit GeoKHub.

Note: Trump’s claims about public demand for the name change lack verified evidence, and his authority to block the deal is limited under current law. Check official statements from the Commanders, D.C. Council, and Congress for the latest developments.