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President Donald Trump asked owners of NFL’s Washington commanders and MLBS Cleveland Guardians to return to organizations’ old nicknames in a social media post.
Daniel Snyder changed Washington’s team name from Washington Redskins to the Washington football team before the beginning of the 2020 season in the middle of a summer with racial tensions. The team eventually became the Washington commanders, and Snyder sold the team to Josh Harris.
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Indians appointed hitter Jim Thome Waves to fans before a game against Oakland Athletics at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, August 30, 2011. (Eric P. Mull -usa Today Sports)
In July 2021, team owner Paul Dolan announced that the Cleveland Indians would become Cleveland Guardians. Cleveland had been known as the Indians since 1915. Dolan previously said the decision to explore the name change came from “an awakening or epiphany” after George Floyd’s death.
Either way, push to keep native American team names has been strong, especially with the commander’s organization. Trump already expressed his belief that the commanders made a mistake when they changed the name of Redskins.
“The Washington ‘no matter what needs to be changed immediately their name back to the Washington Redskins football team. There is a great clinging for this,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday. “Likewise, the Cleveland Indians, one of the six original baseball teams, are with a stored past.
“Our great Indian people, in massive numbers, want this to happen. Their heritage and prestige are systematically taken away from them. The times are different now than they were three or four years ago. We are a country of passion and common sense. Owners, get it done !!!”
Washington Redskins Quarterback Joe Theismann in action against Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium, December 9, 1984. (Manny Rubio-usa Today Sports)
Super Bowl Champ says he would ask Trump to help get Redskin’s nickname back
Harris said on Pakinomist Channel’s “Special Report” in April that the team would not bring the Redskins name back even with plans to build a new stadium in Washington, DC
“The Commander’s name has actually taken on a fantastic form of element in our building,” replied Harris on Bret Baier’s questions about the Redskins name coming back as part of this new stadium agreement. “So the people who certain types of players who are hard, the love football are delegated command and Jayden [Daniels]is, for example, a commander and they are ranked.
“And you know, the business staff has come into it, and obviously we’re in a military city here. There are more military staff than anywhere else, so we are moving a little forward with the commander’s name, excited about it and not looking back.”
President Donald Trump resigns after the signing of a bill in the eastern space of the White House, Friday 18 July 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Guardian’s team officials have not done anything to suggest that the old name would return.
