The DC Council approved $305 million on Tuesday, October 6, to upgrade Metro and bus service around the former RFK Stadium site, clearing a transit package for the Washington Commanders’ new $3.8bn home. The vote was the latest sign the project is moving ahead despite President Trump’s attempt to tie the deal to a name change.
In a Truth Social post on July 20, 2025, Trump threatened to block the agreement unless the franchise reverted to its former name.
“I may put a restriction on them that if they don’t change the name back to the original ‘Washington Redskins,’ and get rid of the ridiculous moniker, ‘Washington Commanders,’ I won’t make a deal for them to build a Stadium in Washington,” Trump wrote.
Harris and the council pressed on
Owner Josh Harris did not change the name. Two months after Trump’s post, the DC Council approved the stadium deal 11-2 on September 17, 2025, clearing the way for the Commanders to return to the RFK site.
Read also: Henry was not robbed in 2003: the football myth that Kane’s Ballon d’Or win refuses to bury
The franchise dropped the Redskins name in 2020 after years of pressure from Native American groups, and Harris has repeatedly ruled out bringing it back.
Trump’s leverage was always narrower than his post implied. Under DC’s home-rule law, the president has no direct veto over local legislation, and the Commanders’ new home is being funded by a mix of the team and the District.
Team covers most of the $3.8bn bill
The redevelopment covers 180 acres along the Anacostia River where the original RFK Stadium hosted the franchise from 1961 to 1996. The franchise is covering $2.7 billion of the total cost, with $1.1 billion coming from the District.
Beyond the stadium itself, the plan includes new housing, parks, and a sports complex. Mayor Muriel Bowser has called it the largest economic development project in city history.
Read also: Bayern Munich set for biggest away fan invasion at Allianz Arena in nine years
Of the $305 million approved this month, $300 million goes to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority to overhaul the Stadium-Armory rail station in time for the stadium’s 2030 opening. Another $5 million funds planning for the “Gold Line,” a bus route linking Union Station to the stadium.
“The District must plan for the increased demand for transportation resulting from the stadium redevelopment to provide equitable and accessible transportation options for all residents and visitors,” council member Charles Allen said after the vote.
Read also: Kane 47 goals from Shearer: ‘I’m loving life in Munich’
