Trump Reportedly Wants Commanders’ New Stadium Named After Him

In a surprising development ahead of his scheduled appearance at Sunday’s Washington Commanders game against the Detroit Lions, President Donald Trump reportedly desires to have the team’s future stadium bear his name. This information emerged just a day after the White House announced Trump would attend the game to honor military veterans during halftime.

When asked about this possibility, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt didn’t directly confirm the report but suggested it would be fitting, stating, “That would surely be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible.” The planned $3.7 billion domed stadium will replace the historic RFK Stadium site in Washington, D.C. According to ESPN, there have already been “back-channel communications” between the Trump administration and Commanders’ ownership group led by Josh Harris. One White House official was quoted as saying, “It’s what the president wants, and it will probably happen,” though a team source clarified that while no formal discussions have occurred yet, such conversations are anticipated. The final decision on naming rights will likely involve both the District of Columbia Council and the National Park Service.

This stadium naming ambition comes after Trump found himself at odds with the Commanders organization earlier this year over the team’s name. The President had previously threatened to block the stadium plans unless the team reverted to its former “Redskins” name, which was changed in 2020 due to growing criticism of its offensive nature toward Native Americans. “I may put a restriction on them that if they don’t change the name back to the original ‘Washington Redskins,’ and get rid of the ridiculous moniker, ‘Washington Commanders,’ I won’t make a deal for them to build a Stadium in Washington,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He argued that such a move would make the team “much more valuable” and the deal “more exciting for everyone,” while suggesting that Native Americans themselves wanted the original name restored.

The President’s interest in the Commanders extends beyond mere naming preferences. In his social media posts, he also referred to the team as the “Washington ‘Whatever’s'” and suggested the Cleveland Guardians (formerly the Indians) should also revert to their previous name. “Our great Indian people, in massive numbers, want this to happen. Their heritage and prestige is systematically being taken away from them,” Trump claimed, adding, “Times are different now than they were three or four years ago. We are a Country of passion and common sense. OWNERS, GET IT DONE!!!” These comments reflect a broader cultural conversation about team names, mascots, and the balance between tradition and respect for marginalized communities that has been ongoing in American sports.

The relationship between Trump and the Commanders organization has had its significant moments. When the deal for the RFK Stadium site was announced, Commanders owner Josh Harris joined Trump, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in the Oval Office, suggesting a collaborative approach to bringing professional football back to the District proper. The team currently plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, but fans and officials alike have long advocated for a return to the city limits. The proposed stadium project represents not just a sports venue but a major urban development initiative for Washington, D.C., potentially revitalizing an area that has seen limited development since the original RFK Stadium fell into disuse.

Sunday’s game will mark Trump’s first NFL attendance this season, though he was present at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans where the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs. The Commanders organization has welcomed the President’s visit, stating, “We are honored to welcome President Trump to the game as we celebrate those who have served and continue to serve our country. The entire Commanders organization is proud to participate in the NFL’s league-wide Salute to Service initiative, recognizing the dedication and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans, active-duty service members, and their families this Sunday.” This visit combines Trump’s interest in the team’s future with the NFL’s broader tradition of honoring military service, particularly poignant given Washington’s status as the nation’s capital and home to numerous military installations and memorials.