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President Donald Trump reportedly wants the next Washington Commanders stadium in the nation’s capital to be named after him.
The ESPN report came a day after the White House announced that Trump would attend Sunday’s Commanders game against the Detroit Lions and honor veterans at halftime.
The White House did not confirm the report to PK Press Club Digital, but in a statement, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “It would surely be a great name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible.”
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The domed stadium, which will be built on the site of RFK Stadium, is expected to cost $3.7 billion. ESPN reported that there had been “indirect communications” with Josh Harris and other Commanders owners.
“This is what the president wants, and it will probably happen,” a White House official told ESPN.
A team source told ESPN there have been no formal discussions, but conversations are expected. The name of the stadium will likely be determined by the District of Columbia Council and the National Park Service.
Trump found himself in a standoff with the Commanders organization earlier this year, threatening to halt the team’s plans to build a new stadium in the nation’s capital if it didn’t bring back its old “Redskins” nickname.
View of a Washington Redskins helmet and logo before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium. (Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports)
Trump to attend Commanders vs. Lions game to honor military veterans
“My statement about the Washington Redskins totally blew up, but only in a very positive way,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social article. “I can put one restriction on them: If they don’t change the original name to ‘Washington Redskins’ and get rid of the ridiculous ‘Washington Commanders’ nickname, I won’t make a deal for them to build a stadium in Washington. The team would be much more valuable and the deal would be more exciting for everyone.”
Trump also called the commanders “Washington ‘Whatever,'” adding that the Cleveland Guardians should do the same.
“Our great people of India, in large numbers, want this to happen. Their heritage and prestige are being systematically taken away from them. Times are different today than they were three or four years ago. We are a country of passion and common sense. OWNERS, DO IT!!!” Trump wrote in a Truth Social article at the time.
Harris joined Trump, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in the Oval Office when the deal for the RFK Stadium site was announced.
Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump attends a game between the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets in Latrobe, Pennsylvania on October 20, 2024. (Evan Vucci-Pool/Getty Images)
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Sunday will mark the first NFL game Trump will attend this season. He was at Super Bowl LIX, which the Philadelphia Eagles won against the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans.
“We are honored to welcome President Trump to the game as we celebrate those who have served and continue to serve our country. The entire Commanders organization is proud to participate in the NFL’s Salute to Service initiative, recognizing the dedication and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans, active duty military members and their families this Sunday,” Commanders said in a statement.
