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Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Trump threatens Washington stadium deal unless NFL team re-adopt Redskins name
A view of the defunct Robert F. Kennedy Stadium in Washington, DC, on April 28. The Washington Commanders NFL team and the city announced an agreement to build a new stadium at the site where the team formerly played from 1961 to 1996. The team currently play at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. US President Donald Trump on July 20 threatened to interfere with a deal to build a new football stadium in Washington, DC, unless the local National Football League team, now known as the Commanders, changes their name back to Redskins. The American football team dropped the name Redskins in 2020 after decades of criticism that it was a racial slur with links to the US genocide of the indigenous population. Mr Trump had called for a return to the name Redskins - and for the Cleveland Guardians baseball team to once again adopt the name Indians - on other occasions, but on July 20, he added that he may take official action. '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,' he said in a post on his Truth Social platform. The team moved from Washington to suburban Landover, Maryland, in 1997, but earlier this year reached an agreement with the local District of Columbia (DC) government to return to the city with a new stadium expected to open in 2030. Mr Trump has limited authority to intervene under the current home-rule law governing federal oversight of the District of Columbia, but he has raised the prospect of taking more control, telling reporters in February, 'I think we should take over Washington, DC'. Representatives of the Commanders did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Priority for singles, higher quota for second-timer families to kick in from HDB's July BTO exercise Singapore Witness stand not arena for humiliation in sex offence cases, judge reminds lawyers Asia Japan PM's future in doubt after election debacle Business Bigger, quieter, greener: High-volume low-speed fans see rising demand in warming Singapore Singapore New home owners in Singapore find kampung spirit on BTO Telegram groups Singapore What would it take for S'pore to shed the dirty image of its blue recycling bins? Business DBS hits record high above $47; CDL up after director Philip Yeo announces resignation World Gaza civil defence says Israeli fire kills 93 aid seekers Some fans have advocated readopting the name Redskins out of tradition, but leading indigenous rights organisations have opposed the name, including the National Congress of American Indians, the Association on American Indian Affairs, and Cultural Survival. At least one group, the Native American Guardian's Association, has supported the name Redskins and the 'respectful use of Native American names and imagery in sports, education and public life'. REUTERS
The Independent
14-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Taoiseach downplays gala dinner protest by evangelical Christian family
Irish premier Micheal Martin has downplayed the impact of the disruption caused when a protesting evangelical Christian family were forcibly removed from a gala dinner he was attending in Washington DC. Three members of the high profile Burke family from Co Mayo in Ireland were intercepted by security personnel and police as they entered the floor of the Ireland Funds event in the US capital as part of a transgender related demonstration. They shouted loudly as they were pulled back through curtains surrounding the main dining space during a speech on Thursday evening by the head coach of the Washington Commanders NFL team Dan Quinn. Chaotic scenes ensued as law enforcement officers grappled with them and forcibly removed them from the National Building Museum. Taoiseach Mr Martin described the incident as 'regrettable' but refused to criticise security arrangements that enabled the Burkes, who had been protesting outside the venue with placards earlier in the evening, to gain entry into the event. Members of the family have been involved in protests and legal disputes in Ireland arising out of the suspension of Enoch Burke from his job as a teacher. Mr Burke was imprisoned for contempt of court for refusing to stay away from the school where he worked. The dispute stemmed from incidents over a request from the school's then-principal to address a student by a new name and the pronoun 'they'. Mr Burke argued his suspension was unlawful and went against his right to express his religious beliefs. His mother Martina and two of his siblings – Ammi and Isaac – shouted criticism of the Taoiseach as they were taken from the building on Thursday evening. The Taoiseach was asked about the incident as he spoke to reporters in the US capital on Friday morning at the start of his last day of traditional engagements in the US ahead of St Patrick's Day. 'I think it didn't significantly, in any way, kind of disrupt,' he said. 'If anything, I think coach Dan Quinn handled it in his stride. I think it was regrettable that incident happened. 'People have a right to protest in a proper way and that is not a proper way, to attempt to maybe disrupt an event that was to honour people who have been of such service to Ireland in the US and people of the Irish-American diaspora who really are not involved in anything to do with this issue.' Mr Martin said he and the Irish Government have been 'very clear' and 'very strong' in relation to the rights of transgender people. He said Ireland has managed to avoid 'culture wars' over the issue and he urged everyone to come at the subject with a respect for human dignity and people's rights. The Taoiseach described the security arrangements at the Ireland Funds gala as 'balanced, firm and strong'. Mr Martin said he could not fault the security detail: 'People have been very attentive, very focused.' He added: 'There has to be balance in all of this and it was a joyous occasion last evening and people were very happy. So you have to let the free flow happen too in terms of people enjoying themselves.' Quinn, who was making a speech after being honoured with an award by the Ireland Funds philanthropic organisation, tried to make light of the disruption, joking the incident was like being at a game of the Commanders' divisional rivals the Philadelphia Eagles. The Burke family have protested against supports for transgender people, which they describe as anti-Christian. The family members entered the gala venue around 15 minutes after Mr Martin had concluded his own speech at the event, which is a key fixture in the Irish American calendar in the US capital ahead of St Patrick's Day. Earlier in the evening, the same family members stood outside the building, accompanied by Mr Burke's father Sean, holding placards highlighting their campaign. After they were later ejected from the event, the family members continued to articulate criticism of Mr Martin and Ireland's deputy premier Simon Harris as they stood on the pavement outside the building, surrounded by members of the media delegation that accompanied the Taoiseach to Washington. 'The Irish people live in fear, teachers are afraid to go to schools,' said Martina Burke. 'Every single child is taught LGBTQ+, bisexual, transgender as fact, it's a sad day. It's a sad day for Ireland. We need President Trump to know the truth but Micheal Martin is fooling them.' Mrs Burke repeatedly said she did not want to speak to the Irish media, accusing them of working for the Irish Government and the judiciary. 'The Government and the judiciary are all working together, silencing the people. We are slaves in Ireland. You're fake journalists – you have no right to be here,' she said. Isaac Burke added: 'Enoch Burke was in prison for 513 days.' Ammi Burke claimed: 'Micheal Martin is stripping Enoch Burke of his salary.' At one point, police officers moved the family away from the entrance to the building and asked them to stand further along the pavement.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Taoiseach downplays gala dinner protest by evangelical Christian family
Irish premier Micheal Martin has downplayed the impact of the disruption caused when a protesting evangelical Christian family were forcibly removed from a gala dinner he was attending in Washington DC. Three members of the high profile Burke family from Co Mayo in Ireland were intercepted by security personnel and police as they entered the floor of the Ireland Funds event in the US capital as part of a transgender related demonstration. They shouted loudly as they were pulled back through curtains surrounding the main dining space during a speech on Thursday evening by the head coach of the Washington Commanders NFL team Dan Quinn. Chaotic scenes ensued as law enforcement officers grappled with them and forcibly removed them from the National Building Museum. Taoiseach Mr Martin described the incident as 'regrettable' but refused to criticise security arrangements that enabled the Burkes, who had been protesting outside the venue with placards earlier in the evening, to gain entry into the event. Members of the family have been involved in protests and legal disputes in Ireland arising out of the suspension of Enoch Burke from his job as a teacher. Mr Burke was imprisoned for contempt of court for refusing to stay away from the school where he worked. The dispute stemmed from incidents over a request from the school's then-principal to address a student by a new name and the pronoun 'they'. Mr Burke argued his suspension was unlawful and went against his right to express his religious beliefs. His mother Martina and two of his siblings – Ammi and Isaac – shouted criticism of the Taoiseach as they were taken from the building on Thursday evening. The Taoiseach was asked about the incident as he spoke to reporters in the US capital on Friday morning at the start of his last day of traditional engagements in the US ahead of St Patrick's Day. 'I think it didn't significantly, in any way, kind of disrupt,' he said. 'If anything, I think coach Dan Quinn handled it in his stride. I think it was regrettable that incident happened. 'People have a right to protest in a proper way and that is not a proper way, to attempt to maybe disrupt an event that was to honour people who have been of such service to Ireland in the US and people of the Irish-American diaspora who really are not involved in anything to do with this issue.' Mr Martin said he and the Irish Government have been 'very clear' and 'very strong' in relation to the rights of transgender people. He said Ireland has managed to avoid 'culture wars' over the issue and he urged everyone to come at the subject with a respect for human dignity and people's rights. The Taoiseach described the security arrangements at the Ireland Funds gala as 'balanced, firm and strong'. Mr Martin said he could not fault the security detail: 'People have been very attentive, very focused.' He added: 'There has to be balance in all of this and it was a joyous occasion last evening and people were very happy. So you have to let the free flow happen too in terms of people enjoying themselves.' Quinn, who was making a speech after being honoured with an award by the Ireland Funds philanthropic organisation, tried to make light of the disruption, joking the incident was like being at a game of the Commanders' divisional rivals the Philadelphia Eagles. The Burke family have protested against supports for transgender people, which they describe as anti-Christian. The family members entered the gala venue around 15 minutes after Mr Martin had concluded his own speech at the event, which is a key fixture in the Irish American calendar in the US capital ahead of St Patrick's Day. Earlier in the evening, the same family members stood outside the building, accompanied by Mr Burke's father Sean, holding placards highlighting their campaign. After they were later ejected from the event, the family members continued to articulate criticism of Mr Martin and Ireland's deputy premier Simon Harris as they stood on the pavement outside the building, surrounded by members of the media delegation that accompanied the Taoiseach to Washington. 'The Irish people live in fear, teachers are afraid to go to schools,' said Martina Burke. 'Every single child is taught LGBTQ+, bisexual, transgender as fact, it's a sad day. It's a sad day for Ireland. We need President Trump to know the truth but Micheal Martin is fooling them.' Mrs Burke repeatedly said she did not want to speak to the Irish media, accusing them of working for the Irish Government and the judiciary. 'The Government and the judiciary are all working together, silencing the people. We are slaves in Ireland. You're fake journalists – you have no right to be here,' she said. Isaac Burke added: 'Enoch Burke was in prison for 513 days.' Ammi Burke claimed: 'Micheal Martin is stripping Enoch Burke of his salary.' At one point, police officers moved the family away from the entrance to the building and asked them to stand further along the pavement.
The Independent
14-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Evangelical Christian family disrupt gala dinner attended by Taoiseach
Members of a high-profile evangelical Christian family from Ireland have disrupted a gala dinner in Washington DC attended by Irish premier Micheal Martin. Three members of the Burke family were intercepted by security personnel and police as they entered the floor of the Ireland Funds dinner. They shouted loudly as they were pulled back through curtains surrounding the main dining space during a speech by the head coach of the Washington Commanders NFL team Dan Quinn. Chaotic scenes ensued as law enforcement officers grappled with them and forcibly removed them from the National Building Museum. Members of the family have been involved in protests and legal disputes in Ireland arising out of the suspension of Enoch Burke from his job as a teacher. Mr Burke was imprisoned for contempt of court for refusing to stay away from the school where he worked. The dispute stemmed from incidents over a request from the school's then-principal to address a student by a new name and the pronoun 'they'. Mr Burke argued his suspension was unlawful and went against his right to express his religious beliefs. Enoch's mother Martina and two of his siblings – Ammi and Isaac – shouted criticism of Taoiseach Mr Martin as they were taken from the building. Quinn, who was making a speech after being honoured with an award by the Ireland Funds philanthropic organisation, tried to make light of the disruption, joking that the incident was like being at a game of the Commanders' divisional rivals the Philadelphia Eagles. The family entered the gala venue around 15 minutes after Mr Martin had concluded his own speech at the event, which is a key fixture in the Irish American calendar in the US capital ahead of St Patrick's Day. Earlier in the evening, the same family members stood outside the building, accompanied by Enoch's father Sean, holding placards highlighting their campaign. After they were later ejected from the event, the family members continued to articulate criticism of Mr Martin and Ireland's deputy premier Simon Harris as they stood on the pavement outside the building surrounded by members of the media delegation that accompanied the Taoiseach to Washington. 'The Irish people live in fear, teachers are afraid to go to schools,' said Martina Burke. 'Every single child is taught LGBTQ+, bisexual, transgender as fact, it's a sad day. It's a sad day for Ireland. We need President Trump to know the truth but Micheal Martin is fooling them.' Mrs Burke repeatedly said she did not want to speak to the Irish media, accusing them of working for the Irish government and the judiciary. 'The Government and the judiciary are all working together, silencing the people. We are slaves in Ireland. You're fake journalists – you have no right to be here.' Issac Burke added: 'Enoch Burke was in prison for 513 days.' Ammi Burke claimed: 'Micheal Martin is stripping Enoch Burke of his salary.' At one point, police officers moved the family away from the entrance to the building and asked them to stand further along the pavement.
