Trump Urges Commanders, Guardians to Restore Former Names

President Donald Trump has publicly urged the owners of the NFL's Washington Commanders and MLB's Cleveland Guardians to revert to their former team names, Redskins and Indians, respectively. He argued on his Truth Social platform that many Native Americans want the original names restored, claiming their heritage and prestige have been diminished by the changes. The Washington Commanders, who changed their name from Redskins amid controversy over racial insensitivity, have no plans to return to the old name, with owner Josh Harris emphasizing the strength of the current brand. Similarly, the Cleveland Guardians, formerly the Indians, rebranded to reflect a commitment to respect and inclusivity, a move supported by Native American groups. Despite Trump's calls, both franchises maintain their new identities, focusing on their future growth and community values. The debate highlights ongoing tensions around the use of Native American imagery and names in professional sports.