Former President Donald Trump has strong feelings about the Washington Commanders’ rebrand—and he’s making no effort to keep them quiet.
Speaking to media from a helipad in Morristown, New Jersey, over the weekend, Trump shared his unfiltered take on the NFL team’s decision to abandon its longtime “Redskins” name back in 2020 amid growing backlash over its offensive connotations.
“I wouldn’t have changed the name,” Trump declared. “It just doesn’t have the same ring to me. Winning could make anything sound good, but I wouldn’t have done it.”
???? “Commanders Just Doesn’t Have the Same Ring”
Trump admitted his stance would be “controversial” but argued the original name carried more history and weight than the current moniker.
“If they start winning, the Commanders name might sound better to people,” he added. “But to me, it doesn’t hit the same.”
His comments came after a reporter asked whether he’d like to see the Washington Commanders return to the name they held for 87 years before succumbing to public and corporate pressure during the nationwide push to remove Native American imagery from professional sports teams.
???? Commanders Ownership Isn’t Budging
Despite Trump’s remarks, sources close to the team tell The Pop Radar that there are no plans to revert to the Redskins name.
After briefly going by the Washington Football Team, the organization unveiled the Commanders branding in 2022—a decision that owner Josh Harris has since doubled down on.
“The Commanders name is here to stay,” Harris reportedly told insiders when he purchased the team in 2023.
????️ The Redskins Controversy Explained
The move to drop the Redskins branding came after years of backlash from advocacy groups, Native American communities, and even sponsors who viewed the name as a racial slur.
Critics argued the moniker perpetuated harmful stereotypes, while defenders claimed it honored Native American heritage.
The team eventually opted for a clean slate, hoping to avoid further PR disasters and to signal a new era for the franchise.
???????? Does Trump’s Opinion Matter?
While Trump disagrees with both the rebrand and how the franchise handled the controversy, it’s worth noting that NFL teams don’t fall under the purview of the executive branch.
Translation? Even if Trump reclaims the White House in November, he won’t have any authority to bring back the old name.
Still, his comments are already sparking debate online, with some fans agreeing with his nostalgia-fueled take and others slamming it as tone-deaf.
???? Do you think Washington should stick with the Commanders—or bring back their old name?
???? Drop your take in the comments and stay locked on The Pop Radar (TPR) for the latest in sports and celebrity news!
