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The Cleveland Guardians are once again at the center of a national conversation — this time due to comments from former President Donald Trump, who called for the team to revert back to its former name, the Cleveland Indians.
In a July 20 post on Truth Social, Trump also demanded that the Washington Commanders return to the "Redskins" moniker, claiming there is a "big clamoring" among Native Americans to bring back both team names. His statement was swiftly met with opposition, including from the North American Indian Cultural Center (NAICC), a Tallmadge-based Native organization.
In a strongly worded statement released July 22, the NAICC said it “does not support a return to the ‘Indians’ name” and reaffirmed support for the Guardians branding, which replaced the previous identity in 2021.
“We recognize the long-standing harm caused by racist sports mascots, names, and imagery that reduce Native cultures to caricatures and stereotypes,” the NAICC wrote. “Reversing that progress would be deeply troubling.”
The statement echoes previous positions by the Lake Erie Native American Council (LENAC) and others who fought for decades to end the use of Native American mascots in professional sports. The NAICC emphasized that the name change to “Guardians” was “a long-overdue step toward respect and healing.”
⚾ What Do the Guardians Say?
During a press conference the morning of Trump’s post, Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said the topic wasn’t on his radar. He acknowledged differing public opinions but stood by the name change.
“It’s a decision we’ve made, and we’ve gotten the opportunity to build the brand as the Guardians over the last four years and are excited about the future,” Antonetti said.
The Guardians changed their name in 2021 after sustained protests and public pressure from Indigenous groups. The move was part of a broader cultural shift, including name changes for other sports teams across the U.S. The new name, “Guardians,” references the iconic Guardians of Traffic statues on Cleveland’s Hope Memorial Bridge — a symbol of protection and forward progress.
💬 Trump’s Full Comment
Trump’s Truth Social post read, in part:
“The Washington ‘Whatever’s’ should IMMEDIATELY change their name back to the Washington Redskins… Likewise, the Cleveland Indians… Our great Indian people, in massive numbers, want this to happen. Their heritage and prestige is systematically being taken away from them. Times are different now… OWNERS, GET IT DONE!!!”
The claim that "massive numbers" of Native Americans support returning to these names is not backed by any verifiable polling data, and many Indigenous leaders and organizations have vocally rejected it.
🧠Why the Name Change Matters
For decades, Indigenous activists have argued that Native-themed sports names and mascots are harmful, perpetuate stereotypes, and contribute to cultural erasure. In Cleveland, the issue reached a boiling point with years of protests outside Progressive Field, especially during home openers.
Studies by the American Psychological Association and other institutions have found that Native mascots can negatively affect the self-esteem and mental health of Native youth.
The Cleveland Guardians name was officially adopted ahead of the 2022 MLB season.
📌 Quick Facts:
New Name: Cleveland Guardians
Former Name: Cleveland Indians (used from 1915–2021)
Why the Change?: Decades of protest from Native American communities and allies over cultural insensitivity
New Symbolism: Named after the “Guardians of Traffic” statues on Hope Memorial Bridge
Organization in Support: NAICC (North American Indian Cultural Center)
Trump’s Stance: Publicly opposes the name change; calls for reversal
Cleveland’s Response: Focused on future with new branding
🗣️ Community Response Still Evolving
As debate over the issue resurfaces, the NAICC and others are urging the public to focus on education, cultural respect, and listening to Indigenous voices — especially when decisions about representation are being made.
The story is ongoing, and more reactions are expected as the Guardians continue their 2025 MLB season and Trump’s remarks ripple through social and political channels.
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