Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again stirred public debate by backing a Long Island school district that is under pressure to remove its Native American-themed mascot.
On Monday, Trump publicly supported the Massapequa School Board’s effort to keep its long-standing “Massapequa Chiefs” logo, a symbol that has become a significant part of the school’s identity over the years.
Using his platform Truth Social, Trump criticized the recent order forcing the school to change the logo, calling it “ridiculous” and “an affront to our great Indian population.”
His statement comes in response to a ruling by a state judge that sided with the New York Board of Regents.
The board, in a statewide decision made in 2023, directed all public schools to remove Native American names, images, and mascots. The decision aimed to respect Native American communities and promote cultural sensitivity.
Trump, however, argued that the name “Chiefs” honors, rather than disrespects, Native American heritage. “I agree with the people in Massapequa, Long Island, who are fighting furiously to keep the Massapequa Chiefs logo,” he posted.
“The School Board, and virtually everyone in the area, are demanding the name be kept. It has become the School’s identity, and what could be wrong with using the name, ‘Chief’?”
He further pointed out that other teams with similar names, like the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL, haven’t faced such pressure. “I don’t see the Kansas City Chiefs changing their name anytime soon!” Trump added.
In a move that may stir even more controversy, Trump claimed he had instructed his Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, to stand up for the Massapequa community.
“I have directed my highly capable Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, to fight for the people of Massapequa on this very important issue,” he wrote. He ended the message with a bold declaration: “LONG LIVE THE MASSAPEQUA CHIEFS!”
Trump’s comments came just hours after he also lashed out at Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, calling him “Mr. Too Late” and “a major loser.”
His post, which criticized Powell for being too slow in lowering interest rates, reportedly triggered another dip in the U.S. stock markets.
It’s not the first time Trump has taken a swipe at Powell or the Federal Reserve, but the timing of his comments—during a sensitive economic period—added to concerns.
The Massapequa logo debate has become a flashpoint issue in New York, where several school districts have been required to drop long-standing mascots, team names, and logos that include Native American symbols or references.
Supporters of the state’s decision argue that such imagery promotes stereotypes and disrespects Native traditions. But opponents, like Trump and many in the Massapequa community, see it as an unnecessary overreach that erases local history and community identity.
While this latest episode may seem like a local school issue, it’s become a national talking point, especially with Trump using it to connect with conservative voters who see the mascot change as part of a larger trend of what they call “cancel culture.”
His stance is likely to energize his base, especially as he ramps up his efforts heading into the next election season.
For now, the future of the Massapequa Chiefs logo remains uncertain. The court ruling stands, but with Trump’s public support and increasing pressure on state officials, the debate is far from over. The school board is reportedly reviewing its options and may consider further legal steps to challenge the mandate.
As Trump continues to weigh in on both cultural and economic matters, his influence remains strong, especially in communities that feel their traditions are being sidelined by broader political changes. Whether that support will lead to any reversal in the Massapequa case remains to be seen.