Trump Urges Guardians and Commanders to Honor Native American Heritage by Restoring Original Team Names

Donald Trump recently took to Truth Social to urge the Washington Commanders and Cleveland Guardians to revert to their previous names. His post highlighted a perceived desire from many Native Americans to restore these names, claiming their heritage is being overlooked in today’s discussions.

Trump stated, “The Washington ‘Whatever’s’ should IMMEDIATELY change their name back.” He also noted that the Guardians have a rich history, being one of baseball’s storied franchises.

However, the term “original six” applied in his statement doesn’t fit baseball, as that phrase relates to hockey. The Guardians, previously known as the Indians, have undergone several name changes since their establishment in the late 1800s. They transitioned from the Indians to the Guardians in 2021 due to long-standing criticism regarding the old name and its mascot, Chief Wahoo.

The push for name changes has roots in a broader cultural conversation about race in America. The last few years, especially following movements for social justice, have heightened scrutiny on sports team names seen as offensive. Washington’s team went through a similar transformation, changing from the Redskins to the Washington Football Team and finally to the Commanders.

For years, team owner Daniel Snyder resisted calls for change. The franchise was sold to Josh Harris in 2023, but he has indicated there’s no plan to change the name again. Similarly, the Guardians’ leadership, including president Chris Antonetti, affirmed their commitment to the current name, focusing on building their brand as the Guardians.

Interestingly, a recent study found that about 51% of Americans support name changes for sports teams deemed offensive, while 27% oppose such changes. This statistic highlights the divided opinions surrounding the issue.

In summary, while Trump’s call for change resonates with some, it reflects a complex dialogue about identity, heritage, and the evolving nature of sports culture in America. The direction of these franchises seems firmly set, with leadership committed to their new identities. You can read more about the impact of name changes on cultural identity in this report from The Guardian.



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