Trump against Redskins, Indians changing names 'to be politically correct'
U.S. President Donald Trump is against potential name changes for the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians.
Trump tweeted Monday that sports teams are named for "strength, not weakness," adding that the Redskins and Indians are changing their names "in order to be politically correct."
"Indians, like (Massachusetts Sen.) Elizabeth Warren, must be very angry right now!" Trump wrote.
They name teams out of STRENGTH, not weakness, but now the Washington Redskins & Cleveland Indians, two fabled sports franchises, look like they are going to be changing their names in order to be politically correct. Indians, like Elizabeth Warren, must be very angry right now!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 6, 2020
Both franchises' nicknames have long been the subject of controversy, but they've come under renewed scrutiny amid the social justice movement following the death of George Floyd in police custody in May.
The Redskins are currently undergoing a "thorough review" of the team's name after multiple sponsors, investors, and shareholders requested Washington choose a new nickname. The franchise is reportedly expected to implement a change.
The Indians, meanwhile, announced Friday they're committed to discussing a change to their nickname, which has long been criticized as offensive to Indigenous communities.
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