
Trump threatens to block NFL D.C. stadium deal unless Commanders revert to 'Redskins' name
The American football team dropped the name Redskins in 2020 after decades of criticism that it was a racial slur with links to the US genocide of the Indigenous population.
Trump had called for a return to the name Redskins – and for the Cleveland Guardians baseball team to once again adopt the name Indians – on other occasions, but on Sunday he added that he may take official action.
"I may put a restriction on them that if they don't change the name back to the original 'Washington Redskins,' and get rid of the ridiculous moniker, 'Washington Commanders,' I won't make a deal for them to build a Stadium in Washington," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.
The team moved from Washington to suburban Landover, Maryland, in 1997, but earlier this year reached an agreement with the local District of Columbia government to return to the city with a new stadium expected to open in 2030.
Trump has limited authority to intervene under the current home-rule law governing federal oversight of the District of Columbia, but he has raised the prospect of taking more control, telling reporters in February, "I think we should take over Washington, D.C."
Representatives of the Commanders did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Some fans have advocated readopting the name Redskins out of tradition, but leading Indigenous rights organisations have opposed the name, including the National Congress of American Indians, the Association on American Indian Affairs, and Cultural Survival.
At least one group, the Native American Guardian's Association, has supported the name Redskins and the "respectful use of Native American names and imagery in sports, education and public life".

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


France 24
11 hours ago
- France 24
Candace Owens: Who is the US podcaster claiming Brigitte Macron is a man?
01:16 24/07/2025 Vote to subpoena all Epstein-related files from Justice Department Americas 24/07/2025 US President Donald Trump under fire over pedo-criminal Epstein files Americas 20/07/2025 Astronomer CEO announces resignation after viral kiss cam video at Coldplay concert Americas 19/07/2025 Donald Trump escalates war on the press as journalists face mounting pressure Americas 19/07/2025 Donald Trump sues Murdoch, Wall Street Journal for $10 billion over Epstein article Americas 19/07/2025 New searches in Brazil: Jair Bolsonaro ordered to wear ankle monitor Americas 19/07/2025 Venezuelan migrants detained in the US returned to Caracas after prisoner swap Americas 19/07/2025 US revokes visas of Brazilian judges over Bolsonaro 'witch-hunt' Americas 17/07/2025 Donald Trump lashes out at MAGA base as Epstein row escalates Americas


France 24
11 hours ago
- France 24
Arsenal sign Valencia defender Mosquera
The Spain under-21 international joins for an initial fee of around £13 million, with performance-related add-ons, and is understood to have agreed a five-year deal with an option of a further year. The 21-year-old, Arsenal's fifth signing in recent weeks, is set to provide cover for William Saliba and Gabriel at the heart of the Gunners' defence, but can operate anywhere along the back line. Mosquera, who played 41 times for Valencia last season, has joined Arsenal for their tour of Singapore and Hong Kong. "It means a lot to me," he told the club website. "There's been a lot of hard work behind all of this. "It's an opportunity that came up and I couldn't let it pass me by. I'm joining a historic, massive club. When you arrive here with your family, you really feel the greatness of this place." Manager Mikel Arteta described Mosquera as "an intelligent player with good pace, who can play centrally and on both sides". Mosquera follows Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke in moving to the Emirates. Gabriel and Myles Lewis-Skelly have also put pen to paper on new contracts in the off-season, with a long-term extension for teenager Ethan Nwaneri believed to be all but completed. Arsenal remain hopeful of signing striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon, although it is not believed a deal, which could be worth as much as £65 million, is imminent. The Gunners, who have finished as Premier League runners-up three times in a row, launch their 2025/26 campaign at Manchester United on August 17.


France 24
11 hours ago
- France 24
Barca's Ter Stegen faces three months out after back surgery
The Spanish champions signed Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer, who is expected to become the team's first choice, with Wojciech Szczesny as back-up. "Today is a personally difficult day for me. Physically and athletically, I feel in very good shape, although unfortunately I am not free from pain," said Ter Stegen on social media network Instagram. "After intensive discussions with the FC Barcelona medical team and external experts, the quickest and safest way for me to fully recover is through back surgery. "After my last operation on my back, I returned to the pitch after 66 days-almost two months... this time, the doctors believe about three months will be necessary as a precaution, to avoid any risks." Spanish media reported Barcelona were hoping to sell Ter Stegen, 33, who signed for the club in 2014, to help register new signings Garcia and Marcus Rashford. Last summer a long-term injury to defender Andreas Christensen allowed Barcelona to use a La Liga loophole to register playmaker Dani Olmo on a temporary basis after he signed from RB Leipzig. "Emotionally, it hurts a lot not being able to support the team during this time. Fortunately, the rehabilitation is manageable and the road back is clear," continued Ter Stegen. © 2025 AFP