Washington Football Team's plans for a new stadium progress as President Trump applies pressure through his labeling of the team's current location.
The Washington Commanders' pursuit of a playing field at the old RFK Stadium site in D.C. moved forward with the D.C. Council's approval of a bill by a vote of 9-3. This approval is a significant step towards the realization of a $3.7 billion redevelopment project, featuring a new stadium, 6,000 housing units, retail space, and parkland.
However, the approval process has not been without controversy. President Donald Trump, who previously expressed a viewpoint that he wouldn't have changed Washington's NFL team name from Redskins to Commanders, expressed displeasure with the change on Thursday. Trump threatened to withhold approval for the Commanders' stadium construction if they don't revert to the Redskins name, a move that could have impeded the project.
Trump's reasoning revolved around his opposition to the social justice motivations for the name change and his desire to preserve what he saw as the team's traditional identity, reinforced by his claimed support from Native American groups. Trump argued that many people, including Native Americans, preferred the old name and that the rebranding policy was unnecessary and detrimental.
The D.C. Council's approval is not the final step in the process. The legislation needs a second approval by the council before being sent to Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser. The second vote is scheduled for Sept. 17. If approved, the nation's capital will host an upcoming NFL Draft on the National Mall in 2027.
Despite Trump's disapproval, the Commanders' management, along with Mayor Bowser and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, have maintained that the Commanders' name is here to stay. Malcom Fox, the executive director of Opportunity DC and organizer of RFK Now!, expressed happiness with the D.C. Council's vote for the stadium, believing it will generate opportunity in Ward 7 and across the District for decades to come.
Meanwhile, the Commanders have been making strides off the field. In the Hall of Fame Game, they routed the Lions, with Trey Lance delivering a strong performance in the preseason opener. Despite these successes, the issue of the team's name continues to generate debate and controversy.
- The Washington Commanders' rebranding decision from Redskins to Commanders has caused a stir, with former President Donald Trump expressing dissatisfaction over the change.
- The NFL, led by Commissioner Roger Goodell, continues to support the Commanders' name, while Trump argued that many people, including Native Americans, prefer the old name.
- Amidst the political controversies, the Commanders have made progress in sports, with an impressive win in the Hall of Fame Game against the Lions.
