Former President Donald Trump has publicly threatened to oppose a new stadium deal for the Washington Commanders, a National Football League (NFL) team, unless the franchise reverts to its name, the 'Redskins'.

This statement comes in light of the team's controversial name change, initiated in 2020 due to longstanding criticism that the term is racially insensitive and connected to the historical trauma of Indigenous peoples in the United States.

Trump expressed his position on a social media platform, stating, 'I may set a condition - if they do not return to the original name, Washington Redskins, and rid themselves of the ridiculous name, Washington Commanders, I will not support the agreement for the construction of a stadium in the city.' The Commanders have been in discussions regarding the potential return to Washington, D.C., after relocating to Landover, Maryland, in 1997.

Earlier this year, the team signed an agreement with the District of Columbia to facilitate the construction of a new stadium, slated to open by 2030.

Despite Trump's remarks, he currently does not hold any official capacity that would allow him to directly influence the stadium deal.

However, he has hinted at a desire to increase federal control over Washington, D.C., stating in February, 'I think we need to take over Washington.'

Public sentiment regarding the name change is divided.

While some fans express a desire to see the return of the 'Redskins' name, numerous Indigenous rights organizations vehemently oppose this view.

Groups such as the National Congress of American Indians and the American Indian Rights Association have been vocal in their resistance to the use of the term, labeling it as harmful and derogatory.

Conversely, the American Indian Sports Advocates group has supported the name, arguing that it represents a 'respectful use of Native names and imagery in sports, education, and public life.' No official comment has been issued by the Commanders regarding Trump's statement.