
When former President Trump threatens to hold up a $4 billion stadium deal unless the Washington Commanders revert to their old name—the Redskins—it’s clear he’s trying to leverage political power over a settled brand decision. The name change followed intense pressure from sponsors, activists, and legal precedent rooted in racial equity, and the franchise officially adopted the Commanders identity in 2022 urrent leadership, including new owner Josh Harris, has made a firm, public commitment that the team will not reverse course . Trump’s attempt to weaponize stadium approval for nostalgia-driven theatrics is unnecessary—and frankly tone-deaf—especially as polls show most local fans remain just as unhappy with the new name as they were with the old one. Letting this issue distract from the franchise’s future—on and off the field—would be a misstep.