Trump Urges NFL's Commanders and MLB's Guardians to Revert Names

In a recent post on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump called for the NFL’s Washington Commanders and MLB’s Cleveland Guardians to revert to their previous names, citing respect for Native American heritage. Trump’s statement, made on July 20, 2025, reflects a growing debate surrounding the appropriateness of team names and mascots that reference Indigenous cultures. The Commanders changed their name from the Washington Redskins in 2020, while the Guardians transitioned from the Indians in 2022, both moves prompted by increasing criticism from various advocacy groups and activists.
Trump's post stated, "The Washington 'Whatever's' should IMMEDIATELY change their name back... There is a big clamoring for this... Our great Indian people, in massive numbers, want this to happen. Their heritage and prestige is systematically being taken away from them. Times are different now than they were three or four years ago." This statement has reignited discussions about the implications of sports team names on Indigenous communities and the broader societal context surrounding cultural representation.
The controversy over the Washington Redskins name had been persistent for decades, with numerous stakeholders advocating for a change due to its racially insensitive nature. The team’s previous owner, Daniel Snyder, resisted calls to change the name until the summer of 2020, amidst nationwide protests against racial injustice. In a similar vein, the Cleveland Guardians' name change followed years of backlash over the Indians moniker and the contentious Chief Wahoo mascot, which was retired in 2019.
Chris Antonetti, president of baseball operations for the Guardians, responded to Trump’s demands, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to the name change. “We understand there are different perspectives on the decision we made a few years ago, but obviously it’s a decision we made,” Antonetti stated. “We’ve got the opportunity to build a brand as the Guardians over the last four years and are excited about the future that’s in front of us.”
The NFL and MLB's decision to change the names illustrates a broader trend in sports toward reevaluating team identities in light of social justice movements. Dr. Linda Blackwell, a cultural studies professor at the University of Michigan, commented, “The push for name changes is not only about the terms themselves, but about acknowledging historical injustices and fostering respect for Indigenous cultures.”
Despite Trump’s insistence, the likelihood of reverting to previous names appears slim. New owner of the Commanders, billionaire Josh Harris, has expressed no intent to change the team’s name again. Similarly, the Guardians have established their identity as a franchise distinct from their past, aiming to create a positive association with their new name.
The discussion surrounding these name changes highlights the ongoing tension between tradition and cultural sensitivity in American sports. As public sentiment continues to evolve, teams will likely face increased scrutiny regarding their names and branding, as well as the implications these have on the communities they represent. The emphasis on cultural respect and acknowledgment is expected to remain a crucial aspect of the conversation in the coming years, as organizations strive to navigate the complex landscape of identity in sports.
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