On Sunday, President Donald Trump gave his opinion on what he thought the name of the Washington Commanders should be. The original name for the team was the Boston Braves for their first season in 1932 before they became the Boston Redskins in 1933.
The team moved to the capitol of the United States capitol in 1937, becoming the Washington Redskins, a name that would stay until 2020 when they became the Washington Football Team amid scrutiny that the name Redskins was racist toward native americans. In 2022, the team adopted the name Commanders.
There has been talk that new owner Josh Harris could bring the name Redskins back, but Harris has stated that won’t happen.
President Donald Trump on the Washington Redskins
President Donald Trump speaks during the American 250 kickoff event on July 3, 2025
President Donald Trump speaks during the American 250 kickoff event on July 3, 2025, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
Lucas Tomlinson of Fox News asked Trump if Washington should switch their name back to Redskins. Trump said he wouldn’t have changed the name to begin with.
“Well, you want me to make a controversial statement? I would,” Trump said. “I wouldn’t have changed the name. It just doesn’t have the same, it doesn’t have the same ring to me. But, you know, winning can make everything sound good. So if they win, all of a sudden the Commanders sounds good, but I wouldn’t have changed the name.”
Reporter asks Trump: "Should the @Commanders change the name back to Redskins?"
Trump: "Well….do you want me to make a controversial statement? I would. I wouldn't have changed the name. It just doesn't have the same ring to me. But winning makes everything sound good" pic.twitter.com/IpuKfKFuvA
— Tipsy OT (@STX21) July 6, 2025
Fans on social media tended to agree with Trump.
“The Native Americans were never, as a majority, angry with the Redskins name. Liberal, old, white women were,” wrote a fan.
“That’s my President,” posted another.
“Wow! A really important issue right now,” wrote a poster who thinks there are better issues for Trump to address.
Washington Commanders Ramiz Ahmed
Nov 23, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; A view of a Washington Commanders helmet during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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