At this point, it seems like anyone with a bit of common sense has moved on with the new commanders’ ownership. They’re doing well on the field, and there’s a sense of optimism around Washington’s NFL team. Ironically, this might be the moment when the US president decides to stir the pot by bringing up some outdated and offensive ideas. It’s almost as if he wishes to reinstate the old racist nicknames to appease certain parts of his support base.
But it’s not just Trump mentioning that he likes “Redskins.” He’s gone further, really attacking the commanders and effectively stating that he’ll cut off funding for their new stadium unless they revert to the old name.
Of course, there’s no actual evidence that Native Americans—or those he calls “great Indians”—are eager to regain such nicknames. Studies have shown that a significant number of Native Americans find the term “Redskins” deeply offensive. It’s puzzling, really, why facts seem to contradict his sentiments without affecting them.
Then there’s a notable contrast to a tweet Trump made years ago, where he emphasized there were bigger issues facing the nation than worrying about a team’s name.
His recent remarks feel somewhat like what an inebriated uncle might shout during a family gathering—just loud and opinionated—but he’s clearly intent on getting his way regarding the team’s name, even if it means threatening their funding.
I mean, to be fair, the president lacks any real authority over what happens with the commanders’ new stadium project. Unless he’s willing to engage in some serious legal battles, he’s really just making noise. Back in January 2025, President Biden put his signature on a bill intended to revitalize the DC Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus. This area is where the team played from 1961 until ’96, when they left RFK Stadium.
The new plan involves demolishing the old RFK Stadium to make room for a $2.7 billion venue, plus an additional $1 billion aimed at enhancing the infrastructure in Washington, D.C. This private investment is being touted as one of the largest in the city’s history, and it represents a unique combination of public and private funding for sports.
Since the DC Home Rule Act of 1973 came into effect, the US President has lacked direct control over the area. This means that the local government can manage its business without federal input. Consequently, unless the president intends to take drastic measures, he can’t just unilaterally change any funding agreements with the commanders.
In theory, while he could push for some form of legislative change, it’d require dismantling laws that have stood for decades. The reasoning behind Trump’s choice to initiate this fight now isn’t really clear—it likely doesn’t reflect any genuine engagement with the facts. Maybe he’s just trying to distract from other issues, like handling information related to Jeffrey Epstein’s connections.
