Trump Wants Commanders’ Stadium Named After Him Amid Controversy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump wants the new $3.7 billion stadium for the Washington Commanders to be named after him, according to multiple sources. Back-channel communications have taken place between Trump’s team and a member of the Commanders’ ownership group, led by Josh Harris, to discuss the possibility, sources told ESPN.

The planned domed stadium will be built on the site of the former RFK Stadium, which was the Commanders’ home from 1961 to 1996. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “That would be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible.” She added, “It’s what the president wants, and it will probably happen.”

While a spokesperson from the Commanders declined to comment on the matter, a team source indicated that discussions with Trump may occur during his attendance at the game against the Detroit Lions this Sunday. Trump is expected to participate in halftime activities honoring military veterans.

The decision to name the stadium ultimately lies with the District of Columbia Council and the National Park Service, which manages the land where the stadium will be built. A source familiar with the situation said the Commanders cannot unilaterally name the stadium. “They can’t name the stadium … on their own,” the source explained. “The city would be involved in that decision, and the Park Service would be involved.”

The Commanders are investing $2.7 billion into the stadium project, which has been labeled the largest economic development endeavor in D.C. history, while the district will contribute $1 billion. The new stadium is scheduled to open in 2030.

In July, Trump had previously stated he would block the stadium’s construction unless the Commanders reverted to their former name, the Redskins, which is contentious among Native American groups. The team removed the name in 2020, subsequently adopting the Commanders as their nickname.

Trump’s influence continues to be a point of contention as discussions around the stadium naming gain traction. If Trump insists on having his name on the stadium, a source said he possesses considerable leverage to make it happen. The Commanders currently play at Northwest Stadium, located in Landover, Maryland, about nine miles from the RFK site.