On Monday, White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt expressed President Trump’s wish for the Washington Commanders and Cleveland Guardians to revert to their original names, which reflect their Native American heritage.
A reporter asked Leavitt if Trump was truly committed to having the teams restore their former names, and whether he might block a new stadium deal for the Commanders if they didn’t comply.
“The president is serious,” Leavitt responded.
She emphasized that Trump is a “non-traditional president,” often engaging in discussions that are typically outside the scope of usual presidential topics.
“I think I’ve noticed the president tackling many issues that most would shy away from,” she said. “He’s focused on tangible results for Americans, and on this topic, he actually has support from fans in this city and across the country.”
Recently, Trump posted on his social media, urging both the Guardians and Commanders to abandon their new names and return to the Indians and Redskins.
“Washington ‘Anything’ should switch back to the Washington Redskins,” he tweeted.
“The Cleveland Indians, one of the original six baseball teams, have a rich history that should not be overlooked,” he added. “It’s important for their legacy to be recognized. We’re living in a country that values passion and common sense.”
His comments reignited support for the teams in light of their name changes, pushing back against ongoing calls to shed Native American names and imagery.
Additionally, he warned that if the Commanders failed to revert to their previous name, he might intervene to halt their stadium deal.
“My remarks about the Washington Redskins have taken off, and in a good way,” Trump noted. “I may establish limits that prevent them from keeping the name ‘Washington Commanders’ if they don’t return to ‘Washington Redskins.’ Reviving the original name could boost the team’s value and excitement as they build a stadium in Washington. If they reconsider the Cleveland Indians name, it could also create significant interest in the community.”
