UPDATE: President Donald Trump is calling for immediate name changes for two major sports franchises: the Washington Commanders and the Cleveland Guardians. In a post on his Truth Social site, Trump urged both teams to revert to their former names, emphasizing a strong public desire for the change.
Trump stated, “The Washington ‘Whatever’s’ should IMMEDIATELY change their name back to the Washington Redskins Football Team. There is a big clamoring for this.” He also expressed support for the Cleveland Guardians, saying that “Our great Indian people, in massive numbers, want this to happen.” The former president highlighted the importance of honoring heritage and called on team owners to act swiftly.
The urgency of this announcement comes as both teams have held their current names since the 2022 seasons. The Washington team dropped the name Redskins after the 2019 season, initially adopting the title Washington Football Team before transitioning to Commanders. Similarly, Cleveland officially changed from the Indians to Guardians in July 2021, following a decision announced in December 2020.
Despite Trump’s call, Josh Harris, who purchased the Commanders in 2023, has previously stated that the name will remain as is. “The name is here to stay,” he asserted, quelling speculation about a return to the Redskins branding.
Adding to the discussion, Chris Antonetti, President of Baseball Operations for the Guardians, mentioned before a game against the Athletics that there are no plans to revisit the name change. “We understand there are different perspectives on the decision we made a few years ago… but we’re excited about the future as the Guardians,” he remarked.
Both franchises have faced intense scrutiny and support regarding their name changes, which reflect broader national conversations about race and cultural sensitivity in sports. The Guardians have been the fifth name for Cleveland’s baseball team, which has a rich history dating back to 1901 when it was one of the charter franchises of the American League.
Washington’s history as the Redskins dates back to 1933 when the team was originally founded in Boston. These name changes have sparked passionate responses from fans and communities, highlighting the emotional connection and cultural significance of sports branding.
As this situation evolves, the implications of Trump’s comments and the potential reactions from team owners, fans, and the public will be closely monitored. Will the teams reconsider their branding in light of these urgent calls? Stay tuned for further updates.
