Donald Trump has a good reason to try to change the conversation right now, so he’s pulling out all the stops.
Sunday morning, he took time out of trying to fix the American economy, broker peace in several places around the world, and cover up whatever he’s worried about in the Jeffrey Epstein files to demand that the NFL’s Washington Commanders and MLB’s Cleveland Guardians revert to their previous Native American-themed names.
“The Washington ‘Whatever’s’ should IMMEDIATELY change their name back to the Washington Redskins Football Team. There is a big clamoring for this,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday. “Likewise, the Cleveland Indians, one of the six original baseball teams, with a storied past. “Our great Indian people, in massive numbers, want this to happen. Their heritage and prestige is systematically being taken away from them. 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!!!”
While controversy had surrounded both franchise names for decades, it was in the wake of the George Floyd protests that they decided to evolve.
Cleveland owner Paul Dolan announced in 2021 that the team, known as the Indians since 1915, would become the Cleveland Guardians. The team had also previously removed the Chief Wahoo logo from uniforms and signage.
“There were a lot of challenges to find the right name and then make sure the name was available for use,” team owner and chairman Paul Dolan said in 2021. “It took a lot of time and a lot of extraordinary effort. Add to that, it was all done during a global pandemic. … I’m not sure that it’s finally over. But I am glad that we’ve entered the phase now where the name is out there and we can begin to promote what will be our future. That’s actually exciting.”
While not as pronounced as the Washington Commanders situation, there has been a desire in right-wing circles to see a return to the previous name, a charge led by Donald Trump in recent years. The President upped the ante on that Sunday, effectively demanding that Major League Baseball acquiesce to his demands.
Guardians President Chris Antonetti released a brief, diplomatic statement on Sunday, saying that the franchise was pleased with its current name, implying that it has no plans to change it.
“I understand there are very different perspectives on the decision we made a few years ago,” write Antonetti, per The Athletic’s Zack Meisel. “but it’s a decision we made and we’ve gotten the opportunity to build the brand as the Guardians over the last four years and we’re excited about the future that’s in front of us.”
Of course, you never want to put it past MLB and Commissioner Rob Manfred to cave and appease Trump in some fashion. Since Trump was elected, MLB has downplayed its diversity efforts in several ways, including minimizing Jackie Robinson’s impact, and reinstating Pete Rose for Hall of Fame consideration after Trump demanded it. They’re not the only pro sports league to acquiesce to Trump’s demands and whims, but they certainly seem the most willing to ask “how high?” when he tells them to jump.