White House Praises Idea of Washington Commanders Naming Stadium After Trump
The White House has expressed support for the Washington Commanders potentially naming their new stadium after former President Donald Trump. This follows an ESPN report that an intermediary contacted the team’s ownership regarding the name change. On Sunday, Trump plans to attend the Commanders’ game against the Detroit Lions at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, with a halftime tribute to American veterans.
New Stadium Developments
Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump, stated, “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 comment on these reports, and the city’s mayor, Muriel Bowser, also refrained from discussing the matter.
Financial Aspects of the Stadium Deal
The Commanders are set to return to Washington, D.C. with a new stadium projected to cost approximately $4 billion. Significant financial arrangements have been made, including:
- Team’s contribution: $2.7 billion
- City’s investment: $1.1 billion
This funding will support the stadium, housing, green spaces, and a sports complex adjacent to the Anacostia River. The stadium will be located on the former site of RFK Stadium, a venue where the team achieved three Super Bowl victories from the 1980s to the 1990s. The Commanders relocated to Landover in 1997.
Legislative Support
In December of the previous year, President Joe Biden signed legislation facilitating the transfer of land from the federal government to the city. Despite being on federal land, Congress granted the city control over the stadium site for 99 years as of January.
The D.C. City Council approved the stadium development plan in September, and demolition of the former RFK Memorial Stadium is set to commence on September 18, 2025. The new project marks the return of the Washington Commanders to the capital after a 30-year absence.
Controversy Over Team Name
In July, Trump stirred controversy by demanding that the team revert to its former name, the Redskins, a term many consider offensive. Despite his threats to obstruct the stadium deal, the City Council and Commanders swiftly negotiated a framework. Trump’s social media post on July 20 insisted, “The Washington ‘Whatever’s’ should IMMEDIATELY change their name back.” The team officially transitioned to the Commanders in 2020 under former owner Dan Snyder, who divested his stake in 2023.
Trump’s affinity for having his name associated with various endeavors—including hotels, golf courses, and branded products—is well-documented. The possibility of naming the Washington Commanders’ new stadium after him has sparked both interest and debate.
