Trump and HUD Secretary Turner Push Washington Commanders to Revive Redskins Name

President Donald Trump has found a staunch ally in HUD Secretary Scott Turner as he ramps up pressure on the Washington Commanders to revert to their former name, the Washington Redskins. Turner, who played as a defensive back for the Redskins from 1995 to 1998 during his eight-year NFL career, took to social media to echo Trump’s sentiments. "I was drafted by the Washington Redskins, not the ‘Washington Football Team’ or the ‘Commanders,’" Turner wrote, lending his voice to the growing debate over the team’s identity.

Trump didn’t hold back over the weekend, issuing fiery posts on Truth Social demanding the Commanders and even the Cleveland Guardians of MLB restore their original names. He argued that "massive numbers" of Native American communities support the return of these names, claiming their heritage is being stripped away. In a bold move, Trump even hinted at blocking the Commanders’ deal for the RFK Stadium site in Washington, D.C., if they refuse to ditch the current moniker.

The name change saga began in 2020 when then-owner Daniel Snyder rebranded the team as the Washington Football Team amid heightened social tensions. The name later evolved to the Washington Commanders under new owner Josh Harris, who has firmly stated there’s no going back. Speaking earlier this year, Harris emphasized how the Commanders’ name resonates with the team’s identity and the military culture of the D.C. area, signaling a commitment to moving forward.

Yet, Trump’s insistence—and Turner’s backing—has reignited a polarizing conversation. Is this a fight for tradition, or a refusal to adapt to changing cultural norms? One thing is clear: the pressure isn’t letting up anytime soon.