With football season generating buzz again in Washington, former President Donald Trump has reignited an old controversy—one that stirs up strong feelings on both sides.
He’s once again calling for the return of the original name of D.C.’s NFL team: the Redskins.
While the franchise now plays as the Washington Commanders, Trump made it clear in a recent conversation that he never agreed with the name change in the first place.
The Original Name Change Sparked by Social Unrest and Corporate Pressure
Back in 2020, the team’s former name was retired amid the cultural reckoning that followed George Floyd’s death.
Trump was still in office at the time, and the name change came as part of a broader wave of institutions re-examining racially sensitive symbols.
At the center of it all was team owner Dan Snyder, who finally gave in after mounting pressure from corporate giants like Nike and Amazon.
These companies threatened to cut ties with the franchise unless a change was made.
Initially, the team adopted the placeholder name Washington Football Team, which stuck around for two seasons.
A New Name, an Unhappy Fanbase
By 2022, the team officially rebranded as the Washington Commanders.
While the change was permanent, many longtime fans weren’t thrilled.
Some said the new name lacked personality, while others just couldn’t let go of tradition.
And it seems Trump agrees with them.
Trump: “I Wouldn’t Have Changed the Name”
During a recent Q&A, Trump was asked point-blank if he thought the team should go back to its old name.
His response? Classic Trump.
“Want me to make a controversial statement? I would,” he said.
“I wouldn’t have changed the name. It doesn’t have the same ring to me.”
He also added that winning tends to make anything sound better.
“If they win, all of a sudden the Commanders sounds good.
But I still wouldn’t have changed the name,” he concluded.
What Do Native Americans Think?
One of the arguments for keeping the original name came from a 2016 Washington Post survey that showed only 10% of Native Americans found the Redskins name offensive.
Despite that, the broader social and corporate landscape made it nearly impossible to avoid change.
A Blended Identity: Holding On to the Past
The current franchise has tried to bridge old and new.
For instance, the team introduced a logo combining the modern Commanders’ “W” with a feather—a nod to the original Redskins branding.
Some fans appreciated the gesture, but others still want the full name back.
A Winning Season Rekindled Fan Passion
Ironically, as Trump pointed out, winning can heal a lot of wounds.
In 2024, the Commanders delivered their best season in three decades.
Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels took the team all the way to the NFC Championship Game before falling to the Philadelphia Eagles, who eventually went on to win the Super Bowl.
It was a season that brought hope and energy back to D.C. football, and expectations are sky-high heading into the next year.
Other Teams Hold On to Native American Names
While Washington opted for a full rebrand, other teams in pro sports have kept names linked to Native American culture—like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Atlanta Braves.
Over in Cleveland, the Indians became the Guardians, a change that was surprisingly well received by fans in Ohio.
That contrast continues to highlight how divisive this issue remains across the sports world.
Trump Weighs In on the Stadium Deal and Name Possibility
Trump was also asked in April if the team’s potential return to a stadium in D.C. might include conditions around a name change.
His answer left the door open.
“Well, now Washington—the Redskins—perhaps that’s a little different,” he said.
“I think it’s a superior name to what they have right now.”
He wrapped up his comments by saying, “We’re about bringing common sense back to this country.”
Fans and Advocacy Groups Want the Name Back
After the franchise was sold to new owner Josh Harris, a wave of nostalgia swept over parts of the fanbase.
Many have urged the new leadership to restore the original name.
One vocal group leading the charge is the Native American Guardians Association.
They’ve launched a petition to revive the Redskins name, arguing that removing Native American mascots erases cultural presence rather than honoring it.
Reality Check: Can Trump Really Bring the Name Back?
Even though Trump has returned to office with a lot of influence and fanfare, there’s one key obstacle—neither the NFL nor the Commanders are government-owned.
As private entities, they aren’t under the President’s authority. Trump might have a platform, but he can’t force a name change.
So, What’s Next?
With momentum building on the field and tensions still simmering off it, the future of Washington’s NFL identity remains uncertain.
Will fans’ nostalgia win out?
Or will the Commanders finally carve out a legacy that makes people forget the name that came before?
Only time—and touchdowns—will tell.