White House Backs Trump Name for Commanders Stadium
The White House has indicated that naming the new Washington Commanders stadium after former President Donald Trump would be “beautiful,” following reports of backchannel discussions. This comes as the NFL team prepares for its highly anticipated return to Washington, D.C., at the former RFK Stadium site.
The Commanders’ Return to Washington, D.C.
After decades of playing at Northwest Stadium (formerly FedEx Field) in Landover, Maryland, since 1997, the Washington Commanders are set to make a historic return to the nation’s capital. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced an agreement in April to bring the team back to the site of the old Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, where the franchise played from 1961 until 1996. The D.C. Council approved this significant deal in September.
Trump’s Reported Interest and White House Endorsement
ESPN recently reported on backchannel talks between the White House and the Commanders’ ownership group, indicating that Donald Trump expressed interest in having the new stadium bear his name. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed this sentiment, telling CNN, "That would surely be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible." The Washington Commanders did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the naming speculation.
Past Controversies and Future Plans
The potential stadium naming also brings attention to past discussions surrounding the team’s identity. Prior to the D.C. Council’s approval of the stadium deal, Trump had reportedly threatened to thwart the effort if the team did not revert its name to the "Redskins." The team officially dropped the "Redskins" name in 2020 after decades of criticism from Native American groups who deemed it an ethnic slur.
Josh Harris, who leads the Commanders’ ownership group, has set a target opening date of 2030 for the new facility. Meanwhile, Mayor Bowser’s office has declined to comment on the possibility of the stadium being named after Trump, keeping the local political landscape intriguing.
Stadium History at a Glance
| Stadium Name | Location | Years Played |
|---|---|---|
| Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium | Washington, D.C. | 1961 – 1996 |
| Northwest Stadium (FedEx Field) | Landover, Maryland | 1997 – Present |
| New DC Stadium | Washington, D.C. | Targeted 2030 |
Trump’s Presence at Sporting Events
President Trump’s attendance at major sporting events has become a notable pattern during his second term. This year alone, he has been seen at a UFC event, the annual Army-Navy college football game, the Ryder Cup golf tournament, and the US Open men’s tennis final. He is also expected to attend the Commanders’ game against the Detroit Lions at Northwest Stadium this Sunday, adding another layer to the ongoing discussion about the team’s future in D.C.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who wants the new Commanders stadium named after Trump?
ESPN reported that Donald Trump expressed interest in this during backchannel talks, and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt publicly supported the idea. - Where will the new Washington Commanders stadium be located?
The new stadium is planned for the site of the old Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C. - When is the new Commanders stadium expected to open?
Josh Harris, leader of the Commanders’ ownership group, has stated a target opening date of 2030 for the new facility. - Did Trump previously comment on the team’s name change?
Yes, before the D.C. Council approved the stadium deal, Trump reportedly threatened to thwart the effort if the team did not change its name back to the "Redskins."
As the Washington Commanders prepare for their highly anticipated return to D.C., the conversation around the new stadium’s name is just beginning, making it a key development for local fans and residents to follow closely.
White House endorses Trump stadium name in DC
