Former President Donald Trump recently demanded that the Washington Commanders and Cleveland Guardians revert to their previous names, citing respect for Native Americans. In a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump expressed his views on the matter, stirring discussions about the ongoing evolution of team identities in American sports.
In fact, the Washington Commanders—formerly the Redskins—only recently changed their name after being publicly criticized and shamed into it. As some Americans expressed concern at the time, the previous name was racially insensitive to Native Americans. In 2021, the Cleveland Guardians changed their name from the Cleveland Indians. This switch came in the wake of some substantial uproar over the “Chief Wahoo” mascot—considered by many to be a racist caricature—employed by the team.
Trump’s comments specifically targeted the Commanders, as he stated they “should IMMEDIATELY change their name back.” His comments have sparked a new wave of discussion about team identity and cultural sensitivity in sports. Josh Harris, who bought the Commanders in 2023. He’s been quite public about his unwillingness to change the team’s name again.
“The Washington ‘Whatever’s’ [sic] should IMMEDIATELY change their name back,” – Donald Trump
The Cleveland Guardians, owned by Paul Dolan since 2025, are similarly threatened with being forced to change their identity. Their name, chosen as an homage to the art deco plaques lining a bridge close to their stadium. Chris Antonetti, president of baseball operations for the Guardians, affirmed that they would retain their current name despite differing public opinions.
“We understand there are different perspectives on the decision we made a few years ago but obviously it’s a decision we made,” – Chris Antonetti
The Cleveland team has a long and complicated history of name changes, only finally adopting the Indians name in the late 1800s. They used to be known as the Lakeshores, Bluebirds, Broncos, and Naps. The legacy of these names still looms over today’s conversations on rebranding in sports.
Trump’s assertions included claims that “Our great Indian people, in massive numbers, want this to happen,” reflecting a contentious view on the desire for name changes based on community sentiment. The replies from team principals and executives indicate a sense of duty to stick with who they are.