U.S. President Donald Trump rekindled a long-running issue in American sports on July 20, 2025, when he called for the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians, two major professional clubs, to return to their previous identities. Trump wrote on Truth Social that “our great Indian people, in massive numbers, want this to happen” and exhorted the owners of the different teams to “GET IT DONE!!!”
Trump maintained that instead than diminishing Native American heritage, returning the original names will honour it. “This has nothing to do with disrespect,” he wrote. “It’s about maintaining our wonderful Native American communities’ heritage and prestige.”
Trump Targets Team Name Changes as Erasing History
On Sunday, Trump posted on Truth Social, calling the Washington team the “Washington Whatevers” and demanding that they “IMMEDIATELY change their name back to the Washington Redskins Football Team.” Fans across, he said, are demanding the reinstatement of the name.
The President also complained about the Cleveland Guardians, saying that the “Cleveland Indians” had greater fan loyalty and historical significance. In an apparent attempt to highlight tradition, he incorrectly claimed that the name “Original Six,” which is associated with hockey’s NHL franchises, applied to baseball..
Trump presented his statement as a defence of cultural and historical heritage, arguing that both renamings were needless compromises to “woke” culture. He went on to say, “People want their history and heritage respected, not erased.”
Trump presented his statement as a defence of cultural and historical heritage, arguing that both renamings were needless compromises to “woke” culture. He went on to say, “People want their history and heritage respected, not erased.”
4 Excellent ProtonMail Alternatives for Personal and Business Use
Background: The Names and the Controversy
In 1932, the Boston Braves were the original name of the Washington NFL team. In 1933, the team changed its name to the Boston Redskins, and in 1937, it moved to Washington. In 2020, the Redskins temporarily changed their identity to the “Washington Football Team” in response to growing outrage over the racial insensitivity of their name and insignia. The name “Washington Commanders” was formally adopted by the franchise in 2022.
The Cleveland franchise has been known as the “Indians” in Major League Baseball since 1915. The organisation officially dropped the “Chief Wahoo” logo and team name after the 2021 season, following years of public pressure and controversy. The Guardians became the new moniker starting in 2022.
Both adjustments were a part of larger initiatives in professional sports to address issues of cultural appropriation and racial stereotypes, particularly with reference to Indigenous populations.
House Passes Historic Crypto Bill, Paving Way for Federal Stablecoin Rules
No Signs of Reversal from Team Ownership
Despite Trump’s demand for change, neither franchise has expressed any desire to change their previous titles.
Earlier this year, Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris stated that the “Commanders” identity embodies modern ideals and a dedication to solidarity. Harris said, “The new name symbolises strength, teamwork, and a forward-looking spirit,” in a February speech. It unites the members of our fan base.
Cleveland Guardians president Chris Antonetti had a similar message. Connectivity—to our city, our supporters, and the future—is key to the Guardians’ name, he explained. “We think it provides the team with a brand that Cleveland as a whole can embrace with pride.”
US Tariff Threat Targets Transhipment of Chinese Goods via Trade Partners
Political and Cultural Reactions
Trump’s most recent remarks exacerbate the divisive cultural discussion. Indigenous organisations and civil rights groups have long pushed for the renaming of sports teams, claiming that the previous names disrespected Native American identities and reinforced negative stereotypes, despite the fact that many conservatives have criticised the move as an overreach of political correctness.
The White House has yet to make it clear if Trump plans to formally engage the teams or take any policy action in response to the name changes. Instead of following a formal order, his Truth Social post seems to be a public appeal.
This is not the first time Trump has gotten involved in sports-related cultural war problems. He frequently attacked NFL players for kneeling during the playing of the national anthem during his previous tenure, and he voiced his disapproval of the NBA and MLB for what he perceived to be politicised social media posts.
Trump Plans New Tariffs on Pharmaceuticals, Semiconductors, and Multiple Countries
Final Thoughts
Both the Commanders and the Guardians seem dedicated to their existing branding, even though President Trump’s post has inspired some of his supporters to advocate a return to traditional team names. The argument is still merely symbolic for the time being, another point of contention in the continuous conflict between demands for cultural sensitivity and historical identity.