Former US President Donald Trump has publicly criticised the Washington Commanders' decision to change their name from the Washington Redskins, calling the move "disrespectful" to the team's history and fanbase.
In a statement, Trump claimed the rebranding was an example of "political correctness gone too far" and accused the NFL of caving to pressure from activists. The controversial name 'Redskins' was dropped in 2020 following years of protests from Native American groups who considered it offensive.
The Backlash Against Change
Trump argued that the original name honoured Native Americans rather than disparaged them, stating: "They were proud of this name, and now it's been taken away from them." His comments have reignited debate about cultural sensitivity versus tradition in American sports.
A Contentious History
The Washington football team held the Redskins name for 87 years before changing to the Commanders in 2022. The shift came amid nationwide reckonings over racial injustice and corporate sponsors threatening to withdraw support unless the name was changed.
Sports analysts note that while some fans have embraced the new identity, others - particularly in Trump's base - continue to resist what they see as forced cultural changes in American institutions.
