Latest news with #Redskins'
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Donald Trump's hypocrisy? Once mocked Barack Obama over NFL team name change, now pushes same ‘Redskins' agenda
Donald Trump's old tweet slamming name change resurfaces as he now demands return to 'Redskins' (Getty Images) President Donald Trump has reignited controversy by pushing the Washington Commanders to revert to their former name—the Redskins—a term widely denounced as a racial slur against Native Americans. His stance has invited widespread criticism, especially as an old tweet of his has resurfaced, in which he condemned then-President Barack Obama for making similar commentary on the same issue. Donald Trump's old tweet slamming name change resurfaces as he now demands return to 'Redskins' Back in 2013, when Barack Obama suggested it might be time for the Washington NFL team to consider changing their name, Donald Trump was quick to fire back. 'President should not be telling the Washington Redskins to change their name—our country has far bigger problems! FOCUS on them, not nonsense,' he wrote on X. At the time, Trump framed the issue as trivial and accused Obama of being distracted from more pressing national matters. Fast forward to July 20, 2025, and Trump appears to be eating his own words. In a post on Truth Social, the POTUS threatened to block the Washington Commanders' stadium deal unless the team changes its name back to the Redskins. '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,' he wrote. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Trump even expanded his cultural crusade by targeting Major League Baseball's Cleveland Guardians, calling on them to return to the name 'Cleveland Indians,' despite both name changes stemming from long-standing criticism of racial insensitivity. Critics pounce on Trump's contradictions Social media didn't take long to highlight the glaring contradiction. Within hours, screenshots of Trump's 2013 tweet were circulating widely, fueling allegations of blatant hypocrisy. The timing couldn't be more suspect, as Trump's comments arrived amid public scrutiny over unreleased Epstein investigation files and economic challenges across the country. Many have labeled the NFL name dispute as a political sideshow—part of a broader strategy to spark outrage and distract from deeper issues. Whether Trump's threats will bear any fruit remains uncertain. What's clear, however, is that his critics are armed with his own words, ready to challenge him at every turn. His claim that there's a 'big clamoring' to restore the Redskins name has been disputed, especially given the name was dropped in 2020 following a wave of national protests and calls for racial justice. The team operated as the Washington Football Team until 2022 before rebranding as the Commanders. Trump's attempt to politicize team branding again raises questions—not just about cultural sensitivity, but about consistency, credibility, and calculated outrage in American politics. FAQs: 1. When did the Washington Commanders change their name from Redskins? The team dropped the "Redskins" name in 2020 due to growing criticism over its racial insensitivity. 2. Why was the name "Redskins" considered offensive? "Redskins" was widely regarded as a racial slur against Native Americans and sparked years of protests and backlash. 3. What did Donald Trump recently say about the team's name? Trump threatened to block a stadium deal unless the team reverts to the "Washington Redskins" name. Also Read: Travis Kelce took Taylor Swift obsession to the racetrack with surprise stake in horse named 'Swift Delivery' Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Chicago Tribune
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Today in History: Suspected ‘Railroad Killer' surrenders
Today is Sunday, July 13, the 194th day of 2024. There are 171 days left in the year. Today in History: On July 13, 1999, Angel Maturino Resendiz, suspected of being the 'Railroad Killer,' surrendered in El Paso, Texas. Also on this date: In 1793, French politician, physician and journalist Jean-Paul Marat was assassinated by Charlotte Corday, who stabbed him to death in his bath. In 1863, deadly rioting against the Civil War military draft erupted in New York City. (The insurrection was put down three days later.) In 1923, a sign consisting of 50-foot-tall letters spelling out 'HOLLYWOODLAND' was dedicated in the Hollywood Hills to promote a subdivision (the last four letters were removed in 1949). In 1930, the first FIFA World Cup began in Uruguay. In 1960, John F. Kennedy won the Democratic presidential nomination on the first ballot at his party's convention in Los Angeles. In 1973, former presidential aide Alexander P. Butterfield revealed to Senate Watergate Committee staff members the existence of President Richard Nixon's secret White House taping system. In 1985, the 'Live Aid' benefit rock concerts were held simultaneously in London and Philadelphia, raising millions for famine relief in Ethiopia. In 2013, a jury in Florida cleared neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman of all charges in the shooting of Trayvon Martin, the unarmed black teenager whose killing unleashed furious debate over racial profiling, self-defense and equal justice. In 2018, a grand jury indictment, sought by special counsel Robert Mueller, alleged that the Russian government was behind a sweeping conspiracy to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. In 2020, Washington's NFL franchise dropped the 'Redskins' name and logo amid pressure from sponsors; the move followed decades of criticism that the name and logo were offensive to Native Americans. (The team was eventually renamed the Commanders.) Today's Birthdays: Game show announcer Johnny Gilbert (TV: 'Jeopardy!') is 97. Author and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka is 91. Actor Patrick Stewart is 85. Actor Harrison Ford is 83. Singer-guitarist Roger McGuinn (The Byrds) is 83. Rubik's Cube inventor Erno Rubik is 81. Actor-comedian Cheech Marin is 79. Actor Daphne Maxwell Reid is 77. Actor Didi Conn is 74. Actor Gil Birmingham is 72. Singer Louise Mandrell is 71. Former boxing champion Michael Spinks is 69. Actor-director Cameron Crowe is 68. Comedian Tom Kenny is 63. Actor Ken Jeong is 56. Singer Deborah Cox is 51. Actor Aya Cash is 43. Former St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina is 43. Actor Colton Haynes is 37. Actor Steven R. McQueen is 37. Soul singer Leon Bridges is 36. Actor Hayley Erin (TV: 'General Hospital') is 31.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Donald Trump sparks controversy over ‘Redskins' name as Josh Harris reshapes Commanders after Snyder's $6.05B exit
Trump wants 'Redskins' back, Harris builds Commanders forward (Image via: Getty Images) In July 2023, Josh Harris led a historic $6.05 billion purchase of the Washington Commanders, ending Dan Snyder's scandal-filled reign and igniting a fresh chapter for the franchise. While Harris focused on rebuilding the team's image and culture, U.S. President Donald Trump stirred fresh controversy by calling for a return to the team's former name: the Washington Redskins. Donald Trump reignites 'Redskins' name debate amid Commanders' rebrand success Trump reignited the Redskins name debate during a press interaction in Morristown, New Jersey. Speaking to reporters, he openly criticized the rebrand from Redskins to Commanders, saying, 'I wouldn't have changed the name… it just doesn't have the same ring to me.' He blamed the name change on cancel culture and argued that the franchise lost part of its identity in the process. However, even Trump admitted that winning could change public perception, noting, 'If they win, all of a sudden, the Commanders sounds good.' The comments added fuel to an already sensitive cultural debate, drawing reactions from both supporters of the rebrand and traditionalists who still associate the team with its former identity. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Josh Harris shuts the door on 'Redskins' comeback, eyes the future Despite Trump's comments, Josh Harris and his ownership group remain focused on progress. The Commanders name, introduced in 2022, represents a fresh start for a team long haunted by workplace scandals, league investigations, and declining fan support under Dan Snyder. Harris has repeatedly emphasized the importance of building a new culture, one that honors the team's history but doesn't return to a controversial past. Harris also acknowledged that the name 'Commanders' has gained meaning inside the building. 'It's about players who love football, are great at football, hit hard, mentally tough, great teammates,' he said earlier this year. Also Read: Patrick Mahomes' trainer Bobby Stroupe hits back at Kevin Kietzman for criticizing Mahomes' diet and offseason training The rebrand and leadership overhaul have already shown results. Forbes valued the Washington Commanders at $6.05 billion in 2024—up from $3.4 billion in 2020, before the name change. Community outreach efforts, updated branding, and improved on-field performance have helped the franchise restore credibility and boost fan engagement. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Daily Mail
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Trump delivers shock verdict on Washington Commanders name change after NFL team dropped controversial Redskins
President Donald Trump wouldn't quite endorse the Washington Commanders changing the NFL team's name back to the 'Redskins' - which was considered a slur by a number of Native American groups. He did voice support for the Kansas City Chiefs - and mocked Cleveland for changing the name of its MLB franchise from Indians to Guardians. Trump was asked if he'd tie the Commanders' football stadium deal in Washington, D.C. to reverting the name back to the original. 'Now Washington, the Redskins, perhaps that's a little different, a little different,' he said. 'I think it's a superior name to what they have right now,' he also volunteered. He added that, 'we're about bringing common sense back to this country.' The 'Redskins' name had been at the center of controversy for decades since a movement to begin phasing out the use of Native Americans as mascots began in the 1960s. For years, the National Congress of American Indians - a non-profit organization that represents indigenous tribes in the nation's capital - viewed the nickname as a racial slur. The NCAI and a number of individual tribes and indigenous people protested the name and lobbied former team owner Dan Snyder to change the name. Attitudes on the nickname changed over time and by the mid-2010s, studies had shown a growing animosity among American Indians toward the name. Additionally, the sight of fans of different races donning Native headdresses and 'war paint' had become far too common. In the wake of the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent protests for racial equality in 2020 as well as pressure from the league and its sponsors, the team abandoned the 'Redskins' moniker and played as the Washington Football Team for two seasons. In 2022, it was announced that the team would be re-branded as the Commanders. Following Snyder's sale of the franchise to Josh Harris, fans have lobbied the new owner to revert to the old name. Additionally, the Native American Guardians Association - an organization which vocally opposes the removal of Native American mascots - launched a petition to bring the name back. After Trump was re-elected, many fans hoped that he could somehow force the team or the NFL to bring the 'Redskins' name back. However, as both the NFL and the Commanders are private businesses, Trump has no authority to force a name change. A fan of the Redskins in 2019, wearing a native headdress and 'war paint' in Miami Additionally, the team's attempts to move from its current home in Landover, Maryland and back into the DC city limits at a new venue on the site of the old RFK Stadium could be a roadblock to bringing back the old identity. The Commanders were founded in Boston in 1932. The city was awarded a franchise by the NFL under the ownership of George Preston Marshall. Initially, the team was known as the Boston Braves and shared the name with a National League baseball team (which eventually moved to Milwaukee, then to their current home of Atlanta) and shared the same stadium, Braves Field. After just one season under the Braves moniker and at Braves Field, Marshall changed the name to Redskins and moved the team to Fenway Park. Eventually, they moved to Washington in 1937. Marshall had been accused of racism throughout his career in football as he promoted a 'gentleman's agreement' in the league to not sign any black players. That 'agreement' held up until 1946. It wasn't until 1962 that the Redskins finally integrated (the last team in the NFL to do so) after Marshall was threatened by then-Attorney general Robert Kennedy and Interior Secretary Stewart Udall. The two cabinet members said that if the team didn't sign a black player, the government would revoke the franchise's lease on DC Stadium (now RFK Stadium). In that year's NFL Draft, Marshall selected Syracuse running back Ernie Davis, the first black player to ever win the Heisman Trophy. When Davis refused to play for the team, he was traded to the Cleveland Browns for running back Bobby Mitchell and he became the team's first black player.
USA Today
06-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Is the honeymoon over for Commanders' Josh Harris?
There is often a honeymoon period until it too concludes. Rick Snider's Washington says Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris' honeymoon with fans is over. Gimme one minute. — Rick Snider's Washington (@Snide_Remarks) February 5, 2025 Perhaps no one in the DMV has been more loved than Josh Harris was in July 2023. Harris had just been granted by the NFL approval for his new ownership of the Commanders. Training camp was beginning, and the fans not only came out in great numbers, but the atmosphere was actually celebratory. Though the team played horribly, Ron Rivera, Jack Del Rio, and Eric Bieniemy proved to be a major disappointment, and the team finished 4-13, Harris went unscathed. Harris had arrived and taken the helm at his initial press conference, using the word 'Redskins' and the fan base was electric. Not only was Daniel Snyder gone, but Harris was bringing back the name 'Redskins' because, after all, he had used the word 'Redskins.' That's how 'logic' works for many people these days. Simply listen to some of the political pundits on television. They can reach conclusions that are simply not via logical reasoning. They hear what they want to hear. I have loved the 'Redskins' franchise since my childhood. My first 'Redskins' memories go back to the 1969 season, and I've been following them closely (too closely) ever since. I was upset when the name was changed. I knew the actual history of how the name 'Redskins' was adopted for the 1933 season, and it was not to demean Native Americans. By 2020, the opposition had reached the point where NFL owners were not being supportive publicly of the name 'Redskins.' They were caving under public pressure. Without that support, 'Redskins' would soon die. Harris probably still prefers 'Redskins.' However, he is not stupid. He is fully aware NFL owners would not back such a proposal. He is also fully aware there would be an instant national outcry, slandering him as a 'racist.' Harris also knows the Commanders just enjoyed a hugely successful season. The first winning season following four losing seasons since 'Redskins' was dropped. He is altogether certain he will sell more Commanders merchandise and season tickets this offseason. He is also confident in winning as they did, helping many more accept 'Commanders.' Yes, he will lose some who refuse to accept anything other than 'Redskins' be the name of their team. Yet, as the team continues to win, making the fan base proud of their team, 'Commanders' will become easier to accept. Though I still wish the name was 'Redskins,' there will be more and more of us putting winning on the field as the core value, and the name will become more of a peripheral value. Yes, for some, the honeymoon is over for Josh Harris. But he actually never said he was going to bring back 'Redskins.' Harris continues to pour money into improving Northwest Stadium and the Ashburn facility. He also made huge scores hiring Adam Peters and Dan Quinn. And now Harris has Jayden Daniels as well.
