Donald Trump’s social media calls for the NFL’s Washington Commanders to revert to their old name reignite discussions on Native American sports imagery. The team maintains it won’t return to a name dropped due to a racial reckoning after George Floyd’s death. Research highlights negative impacts of Native mascots on youth self-esteem and stereotypes. Leadership remains firm on not rebranding back.
The debate holds significance in Montana, as the now-retired logo was designed by Walter Blackie Wetzel, a former chair of the Blackfeet Tribe, depicting Chief John Two Guns White Calf. Despite efforts from Montana Sen. Steve Daines and Wetzel’s family to preserve the old logo, the team continues with its new imagery.
OCTOBER 2013
Barack Obama suggested a Washington Redskins name change, sparking a response from Trump who dismissed it as a minor issue.
SUMMER 2020
Amid sponsor backlash, owner Dan Snyder reviewed the team’s name, eventually retiring the Redskins moniker and temporarily adopting the Washington Football Team name.
FEBRUARY 2022
The team rebranded as the Commanders, a change supported by President Joe Biden, emphasizing local roots and national representation.
SUMMER 2023
Josh Harris, with Magic Johnson, bought the team for $6.05 billion. Despite mentioning ‘Redskins,’ ownership confirmed no revert to the past name.
SUMMER 2024
Sen. Daines threatened to block land transfer for a new stadium unless the old logo was honored. After lobbying, a bill passed, handing RFK Stadium site control to D.C., pending council approval.
FEB. 3, 2025
The Commanders reached the NFC championship game, with Harris affirming the team’s current name.
JULY 20, 2025
Trump threatened to block stadium plans if the team didn’t revert to the Redskins name.
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