NEED TO KNOW
- White House calls naming the new stadium after Trump “beautiful and patriotic.”
- Trump claims it continues “the proud legacy of racism and touchdowns.”
- Critics worry the $4 billion project will include gold turf and a casino.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump said Saturday that naming Washington’s new football stadium after him would “honor the Redskins’ great tradition of racism and winning.” The White House described the proposal as “beautiful” and “long overdue.”
The $4 billion complex, built on the old RFK Stadium site, is already one of the most expensive public-private projects in the city’s history. Trump said adding his name would “raise property values, fan morale, and the nation’s spirit.”
‘Redskins Were Winners, Everyone Agrees’
Speaking to reporters, Trump praised the team’s past glory and criticized “woke” rebranding efforts. “The Redskins were tough. They respected me, and I respected them,” he said. “Then people got offended by everything, including victory.”
He dismissed concerns that reviving the team’s old name would offend Native Americans. “I spoke to Pocahontas about it,” he said, referring to Senator Elizabeth Warren. “She told me it was fine. Maybe she didn’t, but probably she did.”
White House Defends ‘Heritage Naming’
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president “embodies the same fighting spirit that made Washington great.” She added that Trump Stadium would represent “strength, family values, and the power of a good logo.”
When asked about cost, Leavitt said “Trump branding traditionally pays for itself,” citing golf resorts and Bibles as proof. She denied reports that the president wanted to install gold seating, calling it “just premium seating with patriotic shimmer.”
Mixed Reaction in Washington
City officials avoided comment, though one council member joked that taxpayers might soon receive invoices marked “Make Football Great Again.” Others questioned the priorities of celebrating a stadium name while government shutdowns cut benefits and food aid.
Trump dismissed those criticisms. “People can eat later,” he said. “Right now we need a team that wins again. You can’t feed a country on losses.”
Asked if he would attend the opening game, Trump smiled. “Of course,” he said. “They’ll kick off at Trump Stadium. The best field, the best name, maybe the best country. We’ll see what happens.”
He promised humility, though, adding, “It’s not about me. It’s about honoring history, which happens to include me.”
I’m not saying I’m better than the Redskins, but I probably am
Donald Trump, President of the United States
