President Donald Trump recently claimed that using the term “Indian” is no longer allowed, stating, “You’re not allowed to use the word ‘Indian’ anymore. The only ones that want you to do it are the Indians. I will never tell you to change.” His comments come amid ongoing discussions within Native American communities about identity and language. While some Native people continue to use the term, others find it outdated and tied to colonial misunderstandings, as the term originated from Columbus mistakenly believing he had reached India.
Trump has a history of controversial remarks involving Native Americans, including opposing tribal gaming operations and questioning Native identity. In 1993, he told Congress that some tribes “don’t look like Indians” and even claimed he might have more “Indian blood” than some tribal leaders. These comments have been widely criticized.
Earlier this year, Trump also pressured the Washington Commanders NFL team to revert to its former name, the Redskins—a term many consider a racial slur. He threatened to block stadium developments if they did not restore the old team name, claiming that Native people supported the change. Similar pressure was placed on the Cleveland Guardians to return to being called the Indians.
Many Native American organizations rejected Trump’s claims, saying such mascots dehumanize Indigenous people and distort their culture. The Association on American Indian Affairs emphasized that these names do not honor Native communities but instead reduce them to harmful caricatures. However, some groups like the Native American Guardians Association sided with Trump, supporting the use of traditional names as part of cultural identity.
Trump’s remarks continue to spark debate about language, identity, and respect for Native American cultures in the U.S.
