UPDATE: President Donald Trump has called for an immediate return to the former names of Washington’s football team and Cleveland’s baseball team, igniting a wave of reactions across the nation. In a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump declared, “The Washington ‘Whatever’s’ should IMMEDIATELY change their name back to the Washington Redskins Football Team.” He emphasized a “big clamoring” for this change, highlighting that many feel their heritage is being eroded.
Trump also targeted the Cleveland team, stating, “Likewise, the Cleveland Indians… Our great Indian people, in massive numbers, want this to happen.” His remarks come amid ongoing debates about cultural representation and the impact of team names on local communities.
The urgency of Trump’s statement resonates as both teams have only adopted their current names since the 2022 seasons. The Washington franchise transitioned from the Redskins to the Washington Football Team in 2019 before settling on the Commanders in 2022. Cleveland made headlines when it dropped the Indians name in July 2021, opting for Guardians instead—an identity change that was met with mixed reactions.
In response to Trump’s comments, Josh Harris, the new owner of the Commanders, reiterated earlier statements affirming the name Commanders is here to stay. Harris had previously dismissed speculation about reverting to the Redskins name, declaring, “That will not happen.”
Meanwhile, Chris Antonetti, president of baseball operations for the Guardians, addressed the name change during a pre-game interview before Sunday’s matchup against the Athletics. He confirmed, “We understand there are different perspectives on the decision we made a few years ago, but obviously it’s a decision we made.” Antonetti expressed excitement about building the Guardians brand over the past four years.
The history of both franchises is significant. The Washington team originally began as the Redskins in 1933 in Boston and moved to the nation’s capital just four years later. Cleveland’s franchise, which joined the American League in 1901, has undergone several name changes, with Indians being used since 1915 before switching to Guardians.
Both teams have faced scrutiny and support in the national discourse surrounding names and logos considered offensive or racist. The name changes reflect a broader trend across sports, pushing for inclusivity and respect for cultural identities.
As Trump’s call for change reverberates, the sports world is watching closely. Will Harris and Antonetti reconsider their positions amid rising public sentiment? What implications do these developments hold for cultural discussions in the United States?
Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story as reactions unfold.
