HUD Secretary Scott Turner Backs Trump on Redskins Nickname Change
HUD Secretary and former NFL player Scott Turner has publicly supported President Donald Trump’s push to rename the Washington Commanders back to the Redskins. Turner, an eight-year NFL defensive back who played for the team in the 1990s, expressed his backing for Trump’s stance on the issue, emphasizing the team’s original name. His support comes as part of a broader campaign by Trump to pressure NFL franchises to revert to their historic nicknames, a cause that has sparked significant debate over the cultural implications of such names.
Turner, who was drafted by the Washington Redskins in 1995 and played for the team for three seasons, shared his thoughts on social media, calling for the team to return to its original name. “I played in the NFL and was drafted by the Washington Redskins. Not the ‘Washington Football Team’ or the ‘Commanders,’” he wrote on X. “@POTUS is right. It’s time to bring the Redskins’ name back.” His message echoes the sentiments of many Native American activists and supporters who have long criticized the use of the term Redskins as offensive and culturally insensitive.
Trump has been vocal about his stance on the issue, using his social media platform, Truth Social, to call for the Commanders to revert to the Redskins name. In recent posts, he has threatened to put the team’s stadium deal in jeopardy if they do not comply with his demand. This approach has intensified the debate, with some arguing that the change would honor the team’s history, while others contend it perpetuates harmful stereotypes. The controversy has sparked a larger conversation about the legacy of sports team names and their impact on communities, particularly Native American populations.
Meanwhile, team owner Josh Harris remains firm in his position, having stated that he will not revert the team’s name back to the Redskins. Harris, who purchased the franchise from Daniel Snyder in 2022, has emphasized that the Commanders name is now an integral part of the team’s identity and branding. In an interview with Fox News Channel’s “Special Report” in April, Harris highlighted the name’s connection to the team’s fanbase, particularly in a city with a large military presence. “The Commanders’ name has taken on an amazing kind of element in our building,” he said. “The people that certain types of players that are tough, that love football, are delegated Commanders, and they’re ranked.” His comments underscore the commercial and cultural weight the name holds for the franchise, even as the debate over its sensitivity continues.
As the situation unfolds, the controversy surrounding the Redskins nickname serves as a microcosm of a broader national conversation about the role of sports in society, the importance of cultural sensitivity, and the responsibilities of public figures like Trump and Turner in shaping public opinion. The outcome of this debate could have far-reaching implications for how sports teams manage their brand identities in the future, particularly in an era where social media and public opinion play an increasingly significant role in shaping corporate decisions.