Conservative Calls for Halt to Trump Stadium Naming Proposal

UPDATE: A conservative columnist is urging the Washington Commanders to abandon plans to name their new stadium after former President Donald Trump. In a scathing editorial published this morning, Jim Geraghty of the National Review criticized the proposal, calling it a “disaster” for the team and its fan base.

Geraghty argues that a significant section of the Commanders’ supporters holds deep animosity towards Trump, comparing it to their disdain for the Dallas Cowboys. His comments follow a recent game where Trump was met with loud boos from the crowd, highlighting the tension surrounding his potential association with the team.

“The Commanders’ fan base hates Trump with as much passion and fury as they hate the Dallas Cowboys,” Geraghty stated, addressing the editorial pages of the Washington Post. He emphasized that naming a stadium after Trump in Washington, D.C.—a city where he received just 6.47 percent of the vote in the last election—would be both ironic and detrimental.

The stadium, projected to cost $2.7 billion, will not be funded by Trump or the federal government. Instead, the Commanders are set to cover the majority of the costs, with approximately $1 billion coming from public funds. However, Geraghty pointed out that naming rights are typically sold to the highest bidder, and Trump has indicated he would not be willing to pay for the privilege.

“Neither Trump nor the federal government is paying for the new stadium,” he wrote. “The Commanders will cover $2.7 billion of the construction costs, and the District of Columbia will contribute approximately $1 billion in public funds for the project.”

Geraghty warned that naming the stadium after Trump could alienate fans that the new ownership, led by Josh Harris, is trying to win back after years of turmoil under controversial former owner Daniel Snyder. Snyder was forced to sell the team following numerous scandals and allegations that tarnished the franchise’s reputation.

“I suspect a lot of Commanders fans would prefer any company with any reputation—Enron, Theranos, TikTok or even Ashley Madison—than to have their beloved team play in the ‘Donald J. Trump Dome,’” he added, underscoring the potential backlash from the fan base.

As the Commanders’ ownership considers potential naming options, Geraghty urged Harris to resist pressures from Trump, whom he described as “temperamental and erratic.” He concluded with a plea for the ownership group to prioritize the interests of the fanbase over the ambitions of the former president.

With the conversation surrounding the stadium’s naming rights heating up, all eyes are on the Commanders’ management to see how they will navigate this contentious issue. The future of the stadium’s name could significantly impact the franchise’s efforts to rebuild its relationship with fans and restore its image.

As developments unfold, this story is likely to remain a hot topic among NFL supporters and political observers alike. Stay tuned for updates on this urgent matter.