Trump calls for the return of the Redskins, saying, “The Washington Whatever’s should change their name back immediately”

Trump Says Supporters Want Tradition to Return

Two of America’s most illustrious sports teams are being urged by Donald Trump to revert to their previous names, sparking a national debate over heritage vs cultural sensitivity.

Trump called the Washington Commanders the “Washington Whatever’s” in a social media post and insisted that the team immediately return to the Washington Redskins as their new moniker. He also demanded that the Cleveland Guardians, originally known as the Cleveland Indians, return to their original name in Major League Baseball, claiming that the present modifications are a loss of pride and tradition.

Trump claims that there is a “big clamoring” from supporters and “great Indian people, in massive numbers” who want the old names to be reinstated. They contend that these titles honor tradition and heritage rather than being derogatory. Trump urged club owners to “get it done,” adding that the cultural atmosphere is “different now” than it was when the names were revealed.

Following criticism from Indigenous organizations and activists who claimed that the terminology and imagery were objectionable, both franchises first changed their names. Cleveland changed their name to the Guardians in 2021 and Washington to the Commanders in 2022 in order to better reflect cultural awareness initiatives.