**Trump Advocates for Redskins Name Return with HUD Secretary’s Support**
Former President Donald Trump has garnered support from Scott Turner, the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in his call for the Washington Commanders to revert to their former name, the Redskins. Turner, a former NFL defensive back who played for the Redskins, Chargers, and Broncos from 1995 to 2003, expressed his views on social media.
In a post on X, Turner stated, “I played in the NFL and was drafted by the Washington Redskins. Not the ‘Washington Football Team’ or the ‘Commanders.’ @POTUS is right. It’s time to bring the Redskins’ name back.” Turner was selected by the Redskins in the seventh round of the 1995 NFL Draft and spent three seasons with the team, accumulating 106 tackles and five interceptions.
Trump took to Truth Social to voice his opinions on the matter, urging the Commanders and the Cleveland Guardians of Major League Baseball to reconsider their names. He wrote, “The Washington ‘Whatever’s’ should IMMEDIATELY change their name back to the Washington Redskins Football Team. There is a big clamoring for this.” He also mentioned the Cleveland Indians, emphasizing the desire among Native Americans to reclaim their heritage.
In a follow-up post, Trump threatened to jeopardize the Commanders’ plans for a new stadium at the old RFK Stadium site unless they reverted to the Redskins name. He stated, “I may put a restriction on them that if they don’t change the name back to the original ‘Washington Redskins,’ I won’t make a deal for them to build a Stadium in Washington.”
The name change from Redskins to Washington Football Team occurred in 2020 amid heightened racial tensions, and the team later adopted the name Commanders. New owner Josh Harris has indicated that he has no plans to revert to the previous name, stating in an April interview that the Commanders’ name has developed a positive identity within the organization.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the Commanders will respond to the pressure from Trump and supporters like Turner.
**FAQ**
**Q: Why did the Washington Redskins change their name?**
A: The name was changed in 2020 due to growing concerns over racial insensitivity and social justice movements.
