Trump Seeks Naming Rights for $3.7 Billion Washington Commanders Stadium

President Donald Trump's team has been in communication with the ownership of the Washington Commanders, a National Football League team based in the nation's capital, regarding the potential naming of their new stadium after him. According to a senior White House source, the administration has been in back-channel talks with a member of the team's ownership about Trump's wish to have the stadium named after him. The source stated that "it's what the president wants, and it will probably happen." The new $3.7 billion stadium, approved in September and expected to open by 2030, will be constructed at the old RFK Stadium site on the Anacostia River, which served as the team's home from 1961 to 1996. White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany previously suggested that Trump's involvement in the stadium's construction made his name a fitting choice. "That would be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible," she said. The proposal has raised questions about the potential for favoritism and the use of public funds for private interests. Critics argue that the naming of the stadium after Trump could be seen as an attempt to curry favor with the former president and his supporters. "This is a clear example of the kind of crony capitalism that has become all too common in Washington," said a spokesperson for a local government watchdog group. The Washington Commanders' ownership group, led by Daniel Snyder, has not publicly commented on the proposal. However, sources close to the team have indicated that they are open to considering the idea, but would need to weigh the potential benefits against any potential backlash. The construction of the new stadium is a major undertaking, with a projected cost of $3.7 billion and a timeline that spans several years. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region. However, the use of public funds for the project has been a subject of controversy, with some critics arguing that the money could be better spent on other priorities. As the proposal moves forward, it remains to be seen whether the Washington Commanders' ownership will ultimately decide to name the stadium after Trump. The team is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks, with a final vote on the proposal scheduled for later this year.