‘MIGA’: Trump May Force Huge Change on Top Sporting Franchise
‘MAKE INDIANS GREAT AGAIN’: Trump Suggests He May Force Washington Commanders to Restore ‘Redskins’ Name or Risk Losing Stadium Deal
President Donald Trump announced Sunday that he may withhold support for the Washington Commanders’ proposed stadium deal in the District of Columbia unless the team reverts to its former name, the Washington Redskins.
Trump’s comments come as the franchise negotiates to remain at the former RFK Stadium site in downtown Washington.
The president made his views known in a series of Truth Social posts directed at both the Washington Commanders and the Cleveland Guardians, two professional sports franchises that changed their names in recent years.
Trump called on both organizations to restore their original names, calling the current ones “ridiculous.”
“The Washington ‘Whatever’s’ should IMMEDIATELY change their name back to the Washington Redskins Football Team,” Trump wrote.
“There is a big clamoring for this. Likewise, the Cleveland Indians, one of the six original baseball teams, with a storied past.”
Hours later, Trump followed up with a second post suggesting that a name reversal could become a condition for approving a new stadium project for the Washington franchise.
He said his earlier post had attracted wide attention.
“My statement on the Washington Redskins has totally blown up, but only in a very positive way,” he wrote.
“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.”
He continued, “The Team would be much more valuable, and the Deal would be more exciting for everyone.”
Trump also addressed the Cleveland Guardians, formerly known as the Cleveland Indians, in a separate message posted Sunday.
He linked the name change to political consequences for the team’s owner, Matt Dolan, who has recently lost several elections.
“Cleveland should do the same with the Cleveland Indians. The Owner of the Cleveland Baseball Team, Matt Dolan, who is very political, has lost three Elections in a row because of that ridiculous name change,” Trump posted.
“What he doesn’t understand is that if he changed the name back to the Cleveland Indians, he might actually win an Election. Indians are being treated very unfairly. MAKE INDIANS GREAT AGAIN (MIGA)!”
Cleveland Guardians President Chris Antonetti responded to Trump’s comments by reaffirming the organization’s decision to retain its current name. In a statement to Cleveland.com, Antonetti said the team is not considering a reversal at this time.
“A name change was not something the franchise is considering at this time,” Antonetti stated.
“Obviously it’s a decision we’ve made and we’ve gotten the opportunity to build the brand as the Guardians over the last four years and are excited about the future.”
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders are in ongoing talks with the District of Columbia about building a new stadium at the site of the old RFK Stadium.
Team owner Josh Harris appeared earlier this year with President Trump, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced a deal framework for the site.
While any final agreement requires approval from the D.C. City Council, Trump has indicated a willingness to get involved should the council delay or block the deal.
Trump cited what he called “residual federal authority” over the land, despite the federal government officially transferring the site to the District under the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act (H.R. 4984).
President Joe Biden signed the legislation into law on January 6, 2025.
Trump has used this leverage to publicly call for the team’s rebranding, stating that fan support and team value would increase if the Redskins name were restored.
Several Republican lawmakers have expressed support for the idea.
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