Overview

• President Donald Trump warned he will withhold federal approval and funding for the Commanders’ planned $3.7 billion RFK Stadium redevelopment unless the team restores its former ‘Redskins’ name.
• Franchise owner Josh Harris, team executives and NFL officials have shown no indication of reversing the 2022 rebrand to ‘Commanders.’
• Recent polling indicates a majority of local supporters view the ‘Commanders’ identity as settled and have largely moved on from the old nickname.
• Democratic lawmakers in Congress, including Rep. Kweisi Mfume and Sen. Mark Warner, have dismissed Trump’s naming demand as a diversion.
• The D.C. Council is set to vote on August 1 to approve or reject the stadium redevelopment deal that hinges on federal spending.