President Trump expresses support for Massapequa to keep 'Chiefs' name, logo in Truth Social post

A spokesperson for the New York State Education Department said, “Disrespecting entire groups of people is wrong in any context, but especially in our schools, where all students should feel welcome and supported.”

News 12 Staff

Apr 21, 2025, 9:09 PM

Updated 4 hr ago

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President Donald Trump expressed his support for the Massapequa school community fighting to keep the "Chiefs" name and logo.
Trump posted on Truth Social Monday, saying, "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'? I don’t see the Kansas City Chiefs changing their name anytime soon! By copy of this TRUTH, I am asking my highly capable Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, to fight for the people of Massapequa on this very important issue. LONG LIVE THE MASSAPEQUA CHIEFS!"
In March, a judge ruled against the Massapequa Union Free School District after it sued to keep the Chiefs name. The name change stems from a statewide ban on Native American imagery and mascots.
A spokesperson for the New York State Education Department said, “Disrespecting entire groups of people is wrong in any context, but especially in our schools, where all students should feel welcome and supported.” The NYSED added that Massapequa stayed silent during the regulatory process and did not reach out to indigenous leaders or engage with Mascot Advisory Committee to determine whether its Native American team name and mascot would be allowed.
The Massapequa School Board released a statement, saying, “The Massapequa community has been working hard to preserve our identity and protect local decision-making. We are honored that President Trump has recognized our efforts and brought national attention to our cause. His support is a powerful affirmation of what we’re fighting for. We’re deeply grateful for the incredible support from our community, and the continued backing of local leaders and NAGA (Native American Guardians Association), who have stood with us throughout this fight to preserve our community’s identity, traditions, First Amendment rights, and value in honoring Native Americans.
AB: A spokesperson for the New York State Education Department said, “Disrespecting entire groups of people is wrong in any context, but especially in our schools, where all students should feel welcome and supported.”
President Donald Trump expressed his support for the Massapequa school community fighting to keep the "Chiefs" name and logo.
Trump posted on Truth Social Monday, saying, "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'? I don’t see the Kansas City Chiefs changing their name anytime soon! By copy of this TRUTH, I am asking my highly capable Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, to fight for the people of Massapequa on this very important issue. LONG LIVE THE MASSAPEQUA CHIEFS!"
In March, a judge ruled against the Massapequa Union Free School District after it sued to keep the Chiefs name. The name change stems from a statewide ban on Native American imagery and mascots.
A spokesperson for the New York State Education Department said, “Disrespecting entire groups of people is wrong in any context, but especially in our schools, where all students should feel welcome and supported.” The NYSED added that Massapequa stayed silent during the regulatory process and did not reach out to indigenous leaders or engage with Mascot Advisory Committee to determine whether its Native American team name and mascot would be allowed.
The Massapequa School Board released a statement, saying, “The Massapequa community has been working hard to preserve our identity and protect local decision-making. We are honored that President Trump has recognized our efforts and brought national attention to our cause. His support is a powerful affirmation of what we’re fighting for. We’re deeply grateful for the incredible support from our community, and the continued backing of local leaders and NAGA (Native American Guardians Association), who have stood with us throughout this fight to preserve our community’s identity, traditions, First Amendment rights, and value in honoring Native Americans.”