President Donald Trump wants the new Washington Commanders stadium to be named after him, and there have reportedly been discussions held with the ownership group
11:14 ET, 08 Nov 2025Updated 11:37 ET, 08 Nov 2025
President Donald Trump wants the new Washington Commanders stadium to be named after him
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President Donald Trump wants the new Washington Commanders stadium to be named after him(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
The Washington Commanders will begin the 2030 NFL season in their new $3.7 billion stadium, and President Donald Trump wants the development to be named after him.
According to ESPN, the Commanders have been informed by the White House that Trump wishes to have the new stadium named after him. The Commanders had plans for a new $3.7 billion stadium approved earlier this year, as the organization prepares to return to the old RFK Stadium site that served as its home from 1961 to 1996.
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Trump will attend Sunday's game in Washington as the Commanders host the Detroit Lions, with the U.S. President showing his support for their Salute to Service initiative. Trump will watch the game from the ownership box and could speak directly with managing partner Josh Harris.
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White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump's request to ESPN on Friday. In an email to the outlet, she wrote, "That would be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible."
Leavitt declined to answer further questions, but seemed confident that Trump would be granted his wish. "It's what the president wants, and it will probably happen," she added.
It was announced on Friday that Trump would attend Sunday's game between the Commanders and the Lions, scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. "We are honored to welcome President Trump to the game as we celebrate those who have served and continue to serve our country," Commanders team president Mark Clouse said.
Trump will attend the Commanders-Lions game in support of the Salute to Service initiative
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Trump will attend the Commanders-Lions game in support of the Salute to Service initiative(Image: 2024 Getty Images)
"The entire Commanders organization is proud to participate in the NFL’s league-wide Salute to Service initiative, recognizing the dedication and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans, active-duty service members, and their families this Sunday."
While the Commanders have seen their $3.7 billion project approved, Trump initially threatened to block the proposal due to being upset with how the organization is branded. Washington has been known as the Commanders since 2022, after dropping the 'Redskins' branding in 2019.
The Redskins tag was dropped after increased pressure from groups claiming it was offensive to Native Americans. The outrage led to major sponsors threatening to cut ties with the team unless the name was changed, and the organization ultimately obliged.
Trump has made it clear to the Commanders that he wants the Redskins branding restored
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Trump has made it clear to the Commanders that he wants the Redskins branding restored(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Trump has called for traditions to be restored and issued a post on Truth Social after his comments went viral. "My statement on the Washington Redskins has totally blown up, but only in a very positive way," Trump wrote.
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"I may put a restriction on them that if they don't change the name back to the original 'Washington Redskins,' and get rid of the ridiculous moniker, 'Washington Commanders,' I won't make a deal for them to build a Stadium in Washington."
Trump's threat came to nothing as the stadium plans have been approved, and the Commaders' branding remains. However, Trump hasn't just singled out Washington; he also wants the Cleveland Guardians of MLB to make a similar U-turn.
The Guardians used to be known as the Cleveland Indians, and Trump also wants the old name to be restored.