Trump Pushes Cleveland Guardians to Reclaim Indians Name, Gains Ohio Rep Support

President Donald Trump is turning up the heat on the Cleveland Guardians and Washington Commanders, urging both teams to revert to their former names—the Cleveland Indians and Washington Redskins. In a series of fiery social media posts on Sunday, Trump called the name changes a matter of common sense and even hinted at holding up the Commanders’ RFK Stadium deal if they don’t comply.

Ohio State Representative Brian Lorenz, a Republican, echoed Trump’s sentiments with a nostalgic nod to Cleveland’s past. He argued that the name ‘Indians’ isn’t just a label—it’s tied to summer nights, family memories, and the heart of the city’s identity. Lorenz suggested the change to ‘Guardians’ wasn’t driven by fans but by external pressures, a sentiment that resonates with many who feel cultural heritage is being erased.

Trump’s posts on Truth Social claimed there’s a ‘big clamoring’ from fans and Native American communities alike to restore these historic names, framing it as a reclaiming of prestige and heritage. He didn’t shy away from political jabs either, taking aim at Cleveland Guardians minority owner Matt Dolan, linking his electoral losses to the controversial name switch in 2021.

While the Guardians’ name change stemmed from a reflective moment following societal shifts in 2020, team President Chris Antonetti made it clear on Sunday that revisiting the decision isn’t currently on the table. The organization, originally named the Indians since 1915, has stood firm for now, offering no further comment on the mounting pressure.

This debate isn’t just about sports—it’s a cultural flashpoint, stirring questions about how we honor history while navigating modern sensitivities. Trump’s insistence, paired with political support from figures like Lorenz, ensures this story is far from over.